Aaron Jacob Painter, 38, of Springfield died Thursday, July 1, 2021.

He was born on November 29, 1982, in Springfield, the son of Roy and Sandra (Wood) Painter.

Aaron was a 2001 graduate of Pleasant Plains High School. Aaron was an avid Cubs fan and recently spent many years living in Chicago before moving home to Springfield. He was a culinary artist, and recently started working for Five Flavors Catering. His home away from home was in a kitchen. He also loved the outdoors and to go fishing.  He was a self-taught drummer and guitar player. He loved music festivals, Widespread Panic and The Grateful Dead.

Aaron is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Juanita Wood; paternal grandfathers, Chester Painter and Bud Reiser; uncle Michael Painter, Sr.; and long-time girlfriend, Stephanie Mullen.

He is survived by his father, Roy Painter; mother, Sandra Painter; sister, Amanda Painter; niece, Abby Mattox; grandfather, Jerry Wood, Sr.; grandmother, Bonnie Reiser; uncles, Jerry, Rick, Eric and Rob Wood, and Garry Painter; cousins Jessica Robison, Brittany Painter, Michael Painter, Jr. and Marion (fiancé, Bill) Wood; his stepmother; three step-brothers; a step-sister; and several other loved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made by donating to a Culinary Arts Scholarship of your choice in his name.