Luke Nugent

Luke Nugent, 14, a beloved son, cousin, nephew and friend, chose to take his own life on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at his home in Carl Junction, Mo. He was born on Oct. 11, 1998 in Joplin. He was the only child of Jessica and Mika Nugent. Luke started school in the Webb City school district and attended school in Carthage before moving to the Carl Junction school district. He was an eighth grader at the Carl Junction Junior High. He was base drummer in the Carl Junction Junior High Marching Band. He was also an avid science student and a member of the Lab Rats, a science-oriented club at CJJHS, and the CJJHS Science Club. He was a member of the Student League and helped plan activities for students. He helped plan the recent Jazz 'N' Java at the Junction event at Carl Junction High School. Luke was also involved in Destination Imagination. He will be remembered for his love of mozzarella sticks, colored pancakes, anime and Chuck Norris jokes, and his complete disdain for eggs. He was an aspiring chef who loved trying new recipes. He could frequently be seen in the kitchen with the white chef's hat and coat. He was, by far, the best cook in his household. He loved learning with a passion. Every new piece of knowledge, he wore like a feather in his fedora. He could talk about the sky and lightning for hours and was in constant pursuit of the ultimate punch line. He loved to bring humor to every gathering with family and friends. Luke would champion the cause of those who could not defend themselves. Luke is survived by his parents, Jessica (Thomas) and Mika Nugent, Carl Junction; maternal grandparent Andy and Dina Thomas, and Gloria and Curtis Nidiffer and paternal grandparents Ritta Nugent and Ron Garrett, and Rick Nugent; great-grandparents, Bill Nugent, Olive (Glendenning) Thomas, Henrietta (Lasiter) and Elvie Stark; his maternal aunts and uncles, Jenny and Chris Brust, Carthage; Luke Thomas, Carthage; Tria Thomas, Carthage; Rob and Nancy Gaul, Meriden, Conn.; Eric and Ashley Gaul, New Haven, Conn.; paternal aunts and uncles, Paul and Jaana (Nugent) Peltekian, Burbank, Calif.; Krista Nugent, Jake Nugent and Markus Nugent, all of Hurricane, Utah. Luke adored his cousins like they were his siblings. Cousins include Connor, Ryan, Andi, Colson, Ashlyn, Kristiana, RG4, Autumn, Jorel and Stevie. He was also survived by Tiffany Shores, a lifelong “sister-mom” to Luke, and Chad Camp, who was an invaluable mentor to Luke throughout his life, and many more family and friends who loved and adored him. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, March 22, with a private viewing prior to the service, at Memorial Hall in Carthage. The family asks that donations be made to the Luke Nugent Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 797, Carthage, Mo., in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made to www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Luke Nugent

October 11, 1998 - March 16, 2013