Don Brent Neeley, affectionately known by all as Brent, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 87.
Brent was born on Oct. 2, 1938, in Preston, Idaho, to Ariel Graves Neeley and Radia Van Leuvan. He spent his childhood in Preston until the age of 17, when his family relocated to Montpelier, Idaho, where he completed his senior year of high school. A young man of strong work ethic, Brent joined the Army Reserve during high school and successfully ran a local gas station immediately following graduation.
While completing his two-week reserve training, Brent survived a devastating accident that crushed his pelvis in four places and broke a disc in his back. Though hospitalized for four months and told by doctors he would never walk again, Brent’s characteristic determination proved them wrong. He made a remarkable recovery and went on to faithfully serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1961 to 1963 in the Eastern States Mission.
On Aug. 10, 1964, Brent married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Aland, in the Logan, Utah, Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and hard work. Brent dedicated his professional career to American Stores, serving with distinction as an in-store manager and later as a market manager. His career took his family across the region, creating homes and communities in Brigham City, Utah; Pocatello, Idaho; Laramie, Wyoming; Ogden, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Las Vegas, Nevada. While living in Nevada, Brent and Barbara shared a deep commitment to temple work, faithfully serving together in the Las Vegas, Nevada, Temple for over 15 years.
Upon retirement, Brent and Barbara moved to the warm climate of St. George, Utah. Brent was a man of many passions. He had a lifelong love for automobiles, with a particular fondness for Corvettes, owning several beautiful models over the years. In his retirement, he found great joy in the details of home, keeping an immaculate house and constantly improving his yard and garden. He loved to travel, fondly remembering family trips to Yellowstone while raising his children and later enjoying several wonderful cruises with Barbara. He was also an avid, lifelong fan of Brigham Young University football and basketball, never missing a chance to cheer on the Cougars.
Brent is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Barbara; his four children, Jeffrey A Don Neeley (Stefani Ann Taylor), Bobbie Jo Forsyth (Terry Forsyth), Robert Brent Neeley (Heather England) and Jodi May McDonald (Jordan McDonald); his sister, Sheryl Sanford; and brother, Evan Neeley. His legacy lives on through his 19 grandchildren and almost 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ariel and Radia, his brother, Gordon Neeley, and a precious great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 3202 E. Crimson Ridge Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.
Brent will be laid to rest closer to his childhood roots in the Montpelier, Idaho City Cemetery on Monday, June 8, at 11 a.m.