Lukas Caleb Hopper was born July 25, 1989 in Merced, and was taken on Oct. 30, while serving his country in Iraq. His one year tour of duty was scheduled to end Nov. 9.

A Merced native, Luke attended Fremont Charter Elementary, Cruickshank Middle School and Golden Valley High School. He graduated in 2007 and enrolled at Merced College. Luke belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In November 2007, Luke announced to his family and friends that he was joining the Army.

He left home in January, 2008 and completed his basic training and airborne school at Fort Benning, GA. In May, 2008 Luke was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. He was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in late November, 2008. Pfc. Hopper was very recently awarded the Army Commendation Medal in Iraq. His other awards and medals include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.

Luke is survived by his parents, Yancy and Robin Hopper; his sisters, Chantal and Celeste Hopper; his “adopted brother” and best friend, Daniel Alcorn; all of Merced; his maternal grandparents, John and Ann Shaw, of Cathey’s Valley; his aunts, Candy Pinasco (Volney), Jennifer Hill, Paula Kruczyk (Joe), Joy Hopper, Mitzi Miller (Robert), Karen Shaw Diaz (Kevin); his uncle, Brian Shaw; his cousins, Justin Pinasco, Matthew Pinasco, Sean McCann, Rebecca Kruczyk, Caitlin Clark, Chase Clark, Briana Shaw, Brittany Diaz; his “adopted uncle,” Kevin Pope; and his many close friends. Luke was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Helen Hopper.

Luke exemplified living in the moment. He lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. His adventurous nature led him to seek thrills and live life on the edge. His funloving, charismatic personality lit up every room he entered. Luke was fiercely protective of his younger sisters and extremely loyal to his friends. He was a loving and devoted son who called home as often as possible to keep his parents from worrying about him while serving in Iraq.

Luke had a strong, often unique, opinion about everything. He enjoyed studying history and government. Luke loved the outdoors. He relished spending time at the beach, especially during the many family vacations in Cayucos. Luke had the ability to find humor in every situation. His impish smile and infectious laughter will be remembered well by everyone who knew him.

Service dates and times are pending, but are scheduled to take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1080 East Yosemite Avenue in Merced. Burial will be in Cathey’s Valley Cemetery.