Luke Mariano Espinoza of Wylie, Texas went to skip through the meadow with our Lord Jesus on January 2, 2026.
He was born on June 8, 2022 to Nicholas Ray Espinoza and Kayleen Lanette (Willard) Espinoza in Plano, Texas, becoming a little brother to Logan Ray Espinoza.
He lived on this earth for three-and-half full years. He lived intentionally and with purpose, every one of those days.
The Greek meaning of the name Luke means light, and from his very first breath, he began shining his light in our world.
Some of Luke’s favorite personal things in his life were giving besos (kisses) to his family, and his time singing worship songs to Jesus with his Mama, which brought him true peace and comfort. Luke equally and absolutely loved when Dada would whistle to him, or clap and sing “this is my big baby boy, my big baby boy”.
Luke lived up to his name, shining his light as he gave us his cuddles, and his pure love so freely.
He loved holding hands, most especially with brother as he fell asleep, and he thrived on hugs, praise, and gentle moments.
His family will forever cherish memories of tummy time (Super Luke, to those who requested the cape!!), his smile and his heart.
Luke found wonder (and laughter) in the smallest things—the crinkle of a chip bag, the pop of Velcro, the sway of balloons. He especially loved watching Bluey, with or without his brother, a show that never failed to make him smile, and his joy followed him everywhere, especially during his favorite FaceTime calls with family.
And he loved to wrestle with his Dada and his Bubba Logan, who sometimes showed little mercy. But Luke was always still the winner. No matter what.
Luke taught us the true value of a smile.
And he lived a very full life. Even through incredible health challenges, Luke took his family on a cruise to celebrate his Tia’s anniversary, he went camping, he went to watch Fourth of July fireworks, he went swimming, he went to the park, he went fishing, he went shopping, he went to look at Christmas lights, he went to church as often as he could, he went to his brother’s Christmas pageant, he traveled back and forth to Roswell so his loved ones could hold him in person… that boy lived his life no matter his circumstances.
Luke was strong. Strong unlike any could have ever dreamed possible. Both emotionally, as he loved so big no matter what he was enduring in the moment… and physically, as he battled his health challenges with courage like a lion.
Also worthy of note, that boy could probably beat a lot of people in arm wrestling, and he could throw your glasses off your face and halfway down the block before you could blink. And he would smile about it.
Luke is, and forever will be a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin—a tiny light with an enormous heart. He will remain in our hearts forever, missed dearly by all who adored him.
Luke is survived by his parents, Kayleen and Nick Espinoza of Wylie, Texas; brother, Logan Espinoza; grandparents, Josphine and Mariano Espinoza of Roswell, New Mexico; grandparents, Samantha and Gary Willard, also of Roswell, New Mexico; great-grandparent, Cheryl Reed; great-grandparents, Don and Tamy Willard; great-grandparent Eddie Jones; great-great-grandparents, Glenda and Glenn Masters; aunts and uncles, Anthony and Reyna Espinoza, Lisa and Marco Bencomo, Mariano, Jr. and Jennifer Espinoza, Israel Espinoza, Abel Espinoza, Nicole Espinoza, and Cheyanne and Coy Ford; numerous cousins and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Maggie and Joe Lucero and great-grandparents, Agneda and Daniel Espinoza, as well as great-grandparent Estelle (Marmar) Russell.
Pallbearers are Abel Espinoza, Ryan De Los Santos, Nathan Payne, Joe Samario
Honorary pallbearers are Israel Espinoza, Junior Espinoza, Coy Ford, Anthony Espinoza, Marco Bencomo, Joe Smith
Luke’s family will never forget the tireless efforts of the countless nurses, doctors, therapists and specialists who gave their all to help him while he was with us. We will never have a big enough “thank you” to each of you as you helped fight for our Luke so faithfully. And we will also cherish all of those who have followed Luke on his journey. You all have contributed to this little life that continues to hold such an immeasurable impact on our own lives.
And to each and every one who offered up your countless, heartfelt prayers unto the Most High God on behalf of Luke and his family, we will eternally be grateful for you. Please know that we cherish your love and prayers. Only God knows how far reaching your prayer time went. But we personally thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Our Luke is fully healed. He is happy. No more tears. No more pain. No more seizures. He is free. With Jesus.
For with God nothing will be impossible. ~ Luke 1:37
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Gateway Church Plano Campus, 2801 East President George Bush Highway, Plano, Texas 75074. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 for a committal service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.