Luke Walker Billingsley, beloved husband and father, unexpectedly passed away July 7

Luke was born on October 29, 1977, in Hanford, California, to Thomas Carter Billingsley and Susan Walker Billingsley. Growing up in Lemoore, he attended Mary Immaculate Queen School, San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, and Lemoore High School. He furthered his education at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, West Hills Community College in Lemoore, and took classes at College of the Sequoias in Visalia. While pursuing his studies, Luke also worked diligently at the family business, Billingsley Tire.

Luke’s thirst for knowledge led him to study abroad in London for a semester. Returning to the United States, he relocated to San Diego County to explore his passion for glass-working at Palomar College. 

It was at Palomar College that Luke met his future wife Stephanie Applegate, who was also pursuing her studies in the art glass program. Together, they applied to transfer to California State University, Chico, and in 2005, Luke completed a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a studio concentration in glass design. The following year, Luke and Stephanie married and started their life together. Initially residing in the San Diego area, they focused on their art before deciding to start a family.

They eventually settled in Lemoore, where they proudly brought their son Paul Henry into the world in 2009. Luke joined his father at Billingsley Tire, working alongside Tom for nearly fifteen years. Luke and Stephanie joyfully expanded their family, welcoming the birth of their daughters Katherine Jane in 2011, followed by Heidi Ann in 2014.  Luke was a devoted and adoring father, prioritizing his family above all else.

Luke had exceptional talent as an artist and accomplished numerous projects in glass and ceramics, which he considered serious hobbies. With Stephanie and their children, Luke created a nurturing home, engaging in multi-stage art projects that brought them even closer together. His passion for art led him to build a personal studio in the garage. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Luke’s curiosity about the world made him a lover of music with eclectic and adventurous tastes. Known for his culinary skills, Luke was an adept baker, cook, and even brewer of kombucha. He found joy, happiness, and peace in the outdoors, particularly the mountains, where he enjoyed skiing and hiking alongside his family.

Luke is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie, and their children, Paul, Katherine, and Heidi. He is also survived by his parents, Tom and Susan Billingsley, as well as his sisters, Leah (Ernie)Agnew and Ellen (David) Schwartz. Luke’s aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews also mourn his loss.

Luke’s absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Luke was so loving, genuine, honest, and kind.  His passion for art, love for his family, and enthusiasm for life will forever be remembered, cherished, and carried on by those who loved him.

A funeral mass in memory of Luke will be held on July 31, 2023, at 9:30 am, at Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Church, 870 North Lemoore Avenue, Lemoore, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to UTHealth Houston, PO Box 20268, Houston, TX 77025-9998, or https://giving.uth.edu/memorial . Gifts should be designated for the Luke Billingsley Memorial Fund to support research in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).