Caleb Jeremiah Luca

Caleb Jeremiah Luca
(also known as Doodle, Doodlebug, Goober, Pocket Food Man, Uncle Caleb, Wuca Wuca, Daddy Wuca)
April 9, 1999 – April 10, 2025, Age 26
Caleb Jeremiah Luca was born in Chicago, IL, on April 9, 1999, and passed away in Webster, TX on April 10, 2025, at the age of 26. He was the fourth child born to Richard and Lesley Luca. Caleb is preceded in death by his father, Richard, who has been joyfully awaiting his arrival in heaven for the past ten years, and his grandparents Anthony and Mary Louise Luca, and Jerry Meyer.
He is survived by his mother, Lesley Luca Pratt (Thomas) of Huntsville, TX, and his siblings: Austin (Lauren) Luca, Jacob Luca, Kristen Luca, Amanda Luca, and Rachel Luca. He is also survived by his grandmother Juanita Meyer Hewitt of Spring, TX; his precious niece and nephew, Josie and Ben (children of Austin and Lauren); and many cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him dearly.
From the beginning, Caleb captured his family's hearts with his sweet, playful spirit and extraordinary patience. He loved to dance-so much so that during church services, his dad often had to pull him back into the pews when little Caleb happily danced in the aisles. When the Luca family moved from Chicago to Plainfield, IL, settling in Yorkville, IL, they lived in a home surrounded by woods and a creek. The family's yellow lab, Missy, loved Caleb and followed him everywhere. They were frequently found exploring the back of the property (and beyond), playing in the mud and creek during the summer and sledding in the winter.
Around age 10, Caleb learned from his brother Jake how to make hand-drawn animated music videos on the computer. His favorites were "Second to One" and "Born Again," which combined messages about Jesus with his signature humor. Later, Austin introduced him to live-action filmmaking, inspiring projects like "Make a Mov(i)e," based on the idea of becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. Kristen, Amanda, and Rachel were frequent cast members in these hilarious home movies, each full of Caleb's unique charm and creativity.
Homeschooled through high school, Caleb attended a homeschool co-op twice a week where he formed lasting friendships. At age 15, just as he discovered a passion for soccer, his father suffered a stroke. Caleb, his mom, and several siblings relocated to Houston for better medical care. Eighteen months later, his father passed away-a loss that deeply affected him.
Despite the hardships, Caleb found joy in reconnecting with his Chicago friends during summer visits. Alongside Amanda, who served as their cameraman, they filmed a trilogy of movies. We still aren't quite sure what the movies were about, but they sure made the boys laugh. Watching the boys laugh is a precious memory and tribute to Caleb's glowing personality.
Caleb's first job was at McDonald's at age 16, where he quickly rose to become their youngest manager. After high school, he studied at Blinn College while continuing to work at McDonald's. Caleb eventually realized college wasn't his path, but continued with McDonald's until he decided to move in a different direction. He joined Valvoline, where he quickly climbed the ladder to become a store manager, opening a new location in Webster.
Caleb was known and respected by coworkers and management alike. He consistently strived to motivate, inspire, and support those around him. His priorities in life were clear: his family, his dogs, his friends, his motorcycles, his job, his social media following, Jesus, and yes, girls.
More than anything, Caleb dreamed of becoming a loving husband and father. He had a heart that ran deep-he felt things intensely and loved fiercely. He was a loyal friend, a thoughtful listener, and someone who never hesitated to help when others were hurting. His compassion, sincerity, and sense of humor made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him and even many who were never able to meet him in person.
In 2024, while living in Webster and searching for deeper meaning and truth, Caleb reconnected with his faith and put saving faith in Jesus, guided by the support and faith of his sister Kristen, and then publicly expressed his faith through baptism. His renewed spiritual journey brought him peace and purpose as he strived to become an even better Christian man.
Caleb leaves behind a family and community who will love him endlessly and miss him dearly. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing he is now fully healed, reunited with his dad, and home with Jesus.
To View The Live Stream of Caleb's Celebration of Life Click Here