Luke Aaron Espadilla Nickens

Luke Aaron Espadilla Nickens, a beloved 18-year old son, brother, nephew, boyfriend, friend, and inextinguishable shining light, was called to his eternal home on March 18, 2025.

Luke was born Sept. 6, 2006 in Salmiya, Kuwait, but got to Texas as fast as he could. He was born with a special light in his eye, and his capacity for compassion was evident early on. Luke became a big brother in 2008 and again in 2011. Even at the tender age of 5, his eagerness to love, teach, care for, and protect his younger siblings was evident; he was the quintessential big brother. Little did anyone know then that these traits would define his all-too-short existence on this rock and that they would extend to each and every one of his relationships.

After stints in elementary and middle school — where lifelong friendships were forged and a pandemic was survived — Luke breezed into the halls of Boswell High School with a tennis racket in one hand and some sheet music in the other. What started as a potential schedule mishap became a passion as he truly developed a love for singing in the choir. Tennis may have been the only thing he enjoyed more. It was most definitely his favorite sport. He’d miss just about anything before he missed a practice.

Luke loved his Lord, his family, his friends, and one very special young lady with a strength, passion, and level of selflessness that was unrivaled. He effortlessly brought joy to all around him. Anyone who was blessed to be part of his life was better for it — and will be forever. Godspeed, Lukey! You are desperately missed.

Oh yeah, he was kind of into his car, too.

Those left behind to cherish and share his memory are: parents Matthew and Theresa Nickens; brothers Noah Nickens and Isaac Nickens; uncles Russell Nickens, Michael Nickens (wife Stephanie), and Jose Espadilla (wife Mai); aunts Owen Medilo (husband Bernie), Babes Espadilla, Hermie Villegas (husband Rodel), Pop Manarang (husband Roden), Julie Espadilla, and Ella Espadilla; grandmother Nelsa Espadilla; the love of his life, Yaddimar Ramirez; a multitude of cousins here and around the world; and a host of friends and people he charmed or inspired along the way.