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Paul Aaron Neeley Sr. “Pilot” passed away peacefully at home with wife Fawn by his side on Sept. 11, 2026, having battled heart issues for many years.
He was born Aug. 18, 1947, in Morton, Washington, to Ralph Aaron Neeley Jr. and De Alva Mae Neeley (Grimes).
Paul loved to fish and hunt and spent many seasons with family and friends enjoying this pastime, especially the trips into Packwood Lake with grandparents Ralph Sr. and Agnes, who operated concessions at Packwood Lake. Paul participated in many bass fishing tournaments with his friend Mike, catching many fish and sinking one boat. He worked most of his career in the forest industry, driving truck and running heavy machinery, of which he enjoyed very much, receiving the handle “Pilot” as he would fly down the logging roads with grace.
Paul graduated from White Pass High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a boatswain’s mate in 1966, serving on the USCGC Klamath. He served one tour in Vietnam in 1969, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1970.
Paul married Bonnie in 1969; they had three children. Paul and Bonnie were married for 30 years. He married Fawn in 2004, spending 22 wonderful years together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Jr. and DeAlva Neeley, and brother John Neeley. He is survived by wife Fawn, sister Mary (Neeley) Grindrod and her husband, Kevin; children Paul Jr., Ron and Joanna; and six grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned to be held in the summer of 2027 in the Toledo area.
