Luke Aaron Spence passed peacefully at home Wednesday April 16, 2025. He is survived by his wife Janet, his mother Darlene, his father-in-law John, his sisters Linda & Carol, his brothers Ken & Clay and numerous other family members. Luke is preceded in death by his brother in-law JF, his mother in-law Pat and his father Lucius Spence.

A diagnosis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (a rare and aggressive cancer) for Luke occurred in January 2024. He fought this cancer with several different therapies, multiple surgeries, and a clinical trial. Unfortunately, the cancer was just too aggressive and developed to the point that the clinical trial could not continue. Luke was grateful to have such wonderful doctors, nurses, and care teams at MOBAP and BJC. He was also thankful for the National Institute of Health who conducted the clinical trial.

Luke was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. Much of Luke’s childhood was spent in Hawaii where he enjoyed the water sports associated with living in a tropical paradise. He eventually became a scuba dive master.

As a young boy, Luke enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with his mother. This pastime also ensured that he was in the kitchen when the food was ready to eat. Luke enjoyed food. He enjoyed watching competitive eating competitions. We often ate out at restaurants in Houston and St. Louis. Pappas steakhouse in Houston was a favorite.

While living in Texas, Luke attended Conroe high school and Sam Houston State University. During this time, he worked at the Junction and the Feed Store restaurants often on the grill. He had many fond memories of working at these restaurants. Luke was very thankful to have met his dear lifelong friends Keith and James during this time. Also during this time Luke helped to raise his nephew Chris Spence. Luke considered Chris the little brother he always wanted.

In 1998 Luke met Janet. Luke was a good friend of Janet’s brother JF. In 2000 they moved to Saint Louis. They married in Webster Groves at Eden seminary in the chapel surrounded by family and friends in October of 2001. Luke was a beloved member of the Wickey family. He fit right in. He was a very smart person and had a phenomenal memory. He also had a very dry sense of humor which Janet loved. Luke spent several years as a loving caregiver to John and Pat.

Luke attended UMSL to study computer science and STLCC where he obtained an AA in Fine Arts. Luke was a very fine artist, a trait he had in common with his great-grandfather C Carey Cloud (a well-known Cracker Jack premium inventor and manufacturer).

One of Luke’s favorite pastimes was being a member of the Cracker Jack Collector’s Association. He was the webmaster and editor of the Prize Insider for several years. Luke made many dear CJCA friends. He especially held dear Harriet, Fred, Jim, Alex, Vicky, Mikey, Sister Diane, Cindy, Theresa, Jude, Nancy, Lisa and many others.

Another favorite past time was meeting on Sunday mornings with our friend Bert to eat breakfast and talk about books. The Harry Potter series was easily Luke’s favorite.

Luke and Janet bonded initially over their love for dogs. Luke was very much a dog whisperer to our dogs Joey, Eon, Bear, FeeFee, Trixie, and Kodi. Luke fully enjoyed all dogs and other dog people he would meet at Blackburn Park.

Both Luke and Janet feel very fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors in Webster Groves. Our neighbors showed much love and care during Luke’s fight with cancer. We are forever grateful for their support. We are also thankful for the support Luke’s family provided during his cancer.

Luke was always very thoughtful and had a kind and gentle soul and calming disposition. He had the most striking light brown hazel-colored eyes with blue green around the pupil and specs of gold in the iris. He had a beautiful smile (he smiled with his entire face), the most attractive teeth, and a wonderfully hearty laugh. Luke lived and died with grace. Even cancer and the treatments he endured didn’t change his demeanor. Luke will be forever alive in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to know and love him.