On Tuesday, August 6th, 2019, Aaron Troy Neeley of Las Vegas, NV (previously of Springfield, MO) passed away at the age of 47. Aaron was born September 19th, 1971 to Bill and Deborah Neeley in Mt. Vernon, MO. He grew up in Springfield, Mo and graduated from Hillcrest High School with the class of 1989.
Aaron was a free soul who loved to laugh and enjoy life. He enjoyed watching NASCAR with his cousin, Chuck Green, playing his guitar, jamming out to music, watching movies, rooting for his favorite team (Kansas City Chiefs), and anything to do with Star Wars. He had a lifelong dream of being a train engineer at Silver Dollar City and was fascinated by how a train functioned. Aaron decided to take his passion for cooking and make it into a successful, lifelong career. With no formal training, Aaron started his career at Steak n' Shake in Springfield, Missouri. When Aaron moved to Austin, TX to start a band, he joined Shoreline Grill and realized his love of being a chef. Following an opportunity, Aaron moved to Las Vegas to become sous chef at Caesar's Palace, then Renaissance Hotel. He then accepted a position at Hotel Zaza, in Houston, TX. Missing the city he had come to know as home, Aaron moved back to Las Vegas where he ultimately accepted the executive chef position at Siegel's 1941 inside the El Cortez hotel.
Aaron was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clyde and Elizabeth Charles; his paternal grandparents, Gene and Naomi Neeley; and an uncle, Jerry Charles.
He is survived by his daughter, Katarina Sumner and husband Jesse Sumner of Springfield, MO; parents Bill and Deborah (Charles) Neeley of Springfield, MO; best friend and sister, Lisa Neeley Henderson and husband Michael Henderson of Fayetteville, AR; sister Tina Wright and husband Tom Wright of Maineville, OH; nephew Jackson Henderson; nieces Elena and Isabella Zarate; step daughter Milica Lubura; favorite aunt and uncle Barbara and Charles Green; aunt, Kaye Charles; aunt, Pam Neeley; and 9 cousins. Aaron is also survived by the greatest love of his life, Milijana Neeley of Las Vegas, NV.
A graveside service will be announced as soon as possible at Greenlawn North Cemetery. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home at 3506 North National Springfield, MO 65803