I hope from this story that everyone can know how kind-spirited, unique and talented my brother was, and remember the good memories of Luke.

On Aug. 23, Nixa lost a student, nephew, grandson, cousin, friend, son and my little brother, Luke McCrea. There is so much I could say about my Pop-Tart loving, flannel shirt wearing, turtle enthusiast brother, but anyone who knew him well, knew that he had the most unique energy about him. Luke was always the smart, technology driven and mechanically minded kid.
His interests revolved around technology, engineering, exploring and how things operate. My mom, Kelly McCrea said that Luke’s ingenuity was a rare gift.
“There’s no doubt he would’ve been an engineer of some sort,” she said. “He loved to build things, … take things apart and try to understand how everything worked. This also was true about people who were in his life –– He just wanted to understand how they worked so he [could] fix and put [them] back together or make them laugh.”
Outside of technology and machinery, Luke had an aptitude for horticulture and thrived in the class all throughout junior high. Nixa Junior High horticulture and journalism teacher Allan Blaue was a teacher and friend to Luke.
“… We would walk down to the greenhouse or to the raised beds and he would give me a report about how things were doing — what was going well and what we needed to work on,” Blaue said. “I would joke with him that he could teach the class and I could run to Casey’s and get a soda.”
When he wasn’t participating in horticultural activities, playing video games, tooling around with technology or building something, Luke was spending time with his best friend, Ozark High School freshman Aaden Dollins.
“The most special thing about me and Luke’s friendship was how we were there for each other no matter what,” Dollins said. “It didn’t matter if it was something small or life changing — we were there for each other with no judgment.”
Dollins said he hopes Luke is remembered for being kind, loyal, caring and funny.
“My favorite thing about Luke is how he could make anything funny,” Dollins said. “You could have had the worst day of your life and he would tell you the stupidest joke that would make you laugh and everything was fine.”
Luke had the ability to lift others up. He did this wherever he went, but it was commonly noticed in classroom settings. Matthews Elementary School teacher Sarah Mancusi was Luke’s second grade teacher.
“He truly strived to make the world a better place, but also wanted the world not to see him in action,” Mancusi said. “He had a way of seeing the world differently than I did and he taught me a lot about myself and the world. His most important lesson he taught me was if you love it, who cares. Love what you love and don’t let anyone bring you down for your passions and hobbies.”
One thing about Luke was that he was unapologetically himself. Growing up, Luke and I had different interests and hobbies, yet always shared a special bond. We had always had a shared understanding of many things and a relationship that I cherish and miss daily.
Although his absence is one that will never go unnoticed to my family, myself and countless others, remembering Luke’s gifts and the lives he touched can help fill the void that his death caused. My mom said she is most proud of Luke for his heart and loving spirit.
“… He saved so many lives with the gift of being [an organ] donor after he passed,” she said. “His heart was so big and he wanted everyone to be OK.”
Although right now my heart is heavy, my little brother led such a curious and dynamic life, so I urge everyone to be kind and uplifting for others and to celebrate Luke and the person he was.
“He was surrounded with love and [support], but even sometimes it’s not enough and our emotions can take over,” my mom said. “Be kind to each other. You never know who is struggling. Smile at someone everyday. Look up at the world and be present. Life is a gift.”

Maddie McCrea is the Wingspan editor-in-chief and sister of the late Luke McCrea. If you or a loved one are in distress, please contact a trusted adult or call 988.