Aaron David Attebery

Aaron Attebery, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 35. Beloved husband of almost 11 years to Rachel Attebery; cherished son of David and Sherrie Attebery; son-in-law of Phil and Cathy Downen; loving grandson of Mary Ann Attebery and the late Karl Attebery, and of the late Jim and Wanda Salmons; dear brother of Andrew (Molly) Attebery; brother-in-law of Sarah (Philip) Zahnd and Luke (Regen) Downen.

Aaron was a man of God. His faith steered him through all the ups and downs of his life, especially during his illness. He was extremely intelligent, funny, and outgoing. Aaron grew up on a horse farm and was accustomed to doing hard work every day. This work ethic carried him far in life. He graduated with a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology where he was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He worked for 10 years at Black & Veatch doing engineering and sales work.

Aaron loved technology and gadgets. He co-invented a product called HexCup, a hexagonal beer pong cup. He built this company from scratch with his partner and later sold it for profit. Aaron was also building a Ford F100 ’55 pickup truck from the ground up. He bought and fixed an old boat that he loved to captain on Hillsdale Lake in Kansas, treating family and friends to “sunset cruises”. He later earned his aircraft pilot certificate as a hobby.

Aaron had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. He backpacked in Italy for two weeks with the love of his life, Rachel, went to the Yukon to see the Northern Lights, and spent two weeks in Bangkok, Thailand, to give a work presentation. He was a big fan of the TV show Survivor, which became more and more meaningful for him through his cancer journey. Through a dear friend, Aaron developed a genuine friendship with the show’s host Jeff Probst.

Aaron always instinctively knew the best way to do something, and he was constantly helping others achieve their goals. He had a gift for knowing the right thing to say to encourage others. Aaron endured much difficulty and pain through his illness, but he held fast to God’s promises. He believed the Genesis 50:20 Bible verse, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Aaron was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

As an alternative to flowers, the Attebery family would be grateful for contributions to Dr. Van Tine’s Osteosarcoma Research Fund at Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130 or online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute. Please note “Osteosarcoma Research Fund GF0004058 – Attebery Tribute” in the memo line of the check or in the “Other Designation” field of the online gift form.