Luther Paden Neeley, 88, of Denton, Texas went to be with his glorious Savior Jesus Christ on May 31, 2024.

Paden was born to Hubert and Orthany Neely on September 1, 1935, in Hardy Arkansas. As an only child, he grew up as an active young boy in Hardy and then moved with his mom to Jonesboro, Arkansas, in his teenage years. This move – in God's great providence – set in motion an educational career and professional legacy that spanned six decades.

Paden earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Arkansas State University and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of their ROTC program. Paden then served in the National Guard and active duty during the Berlin crisis. Paden went on to complete both a Masters and Ph.D. in Accounting at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Notably, Paden was both the first and youngest (age 25) awarded Ph.D. in accounting at the university.

Paden came to Denton, Texas in 1960 and had an acclaimed career at the University of North Texas for over 40 years. He was recognized numerous times for his excellence as an educator. Paden authored numerous textbooks and materials in accounting, and was honored as a Faculty All-Star Teacher in 1967 and Outstanding Professor in the College of Business in 1975. To honor him, former students established a professorship at UNT in his name in 2006.

While teaching at UNT, Paden was the visionary and founding director of the Professional Development Institute, known as PDI across Texas and the nation. With Paden as president, PDI was a non-profit center providing career development programs throughout the US and around the world. Before retiring, Paden was a Vice President at the AICPA.

As the most important thing in this life, Paden came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man. He was active in his churches in Denton for decades, including teaching Sunday School classes and serving as a deacon. The great realities of Christ and being with Him in His heavenly kingdom became Paden's longing in the final months of his life. He is with Christ now!

For anyone that knew him, it was obvious that Paden deeply loved his family. He talked about them a lot. He is survived by his three children, son Pat (wife Lisa) Neeley of Little Rock, son Philip (wife Krista) Neeley of Krum, and daughter Anne (husband Walt) Heffington of Carrollton. As a grandparent, Paden was known affectionately as "Doc". Many friends knew him as "Doc" and enjoyed hearing about his extended family. He was very proud of his ten grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. His life and influences will be remembered and cherished by many.