Obit: Needham, Richard J. (1928 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Needham, Davey, Boulware, Martinson, Spencer

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03/02/2012

Needham, Richard J. (20 AUG 1928 - 27 FEB 2012)

Richard J. Needham, 83, of Loyal, died at Wells Nature View in Marshfield, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal, with the Rev. Daniel Zimmerman officiating. 

Burial will take place in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Longwood at a later date. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Megan Martinson, Benjamin Needham, Ross Needham, Joseph Needham, Sadie Spencer and Zachary Needham. Military rites will be conducted by the Loyal American Legion Post 175. 

Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Richard James Needham was born on Aug. 20, 1928, in Greenwood, the son of Walter and Gertrude (Davey) Needham. He grew up and received his education in Clark County, graduating from Owen High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. 

Richard was united in marriage to Blanche "Dene" Boulware on Aug. 22, 1947, in New Jersey. After his discharge from the Navy, they resided in the town of Longwood where Richard farmed and also worked at the Post Company in Owen. He was hired as a deputy sheriff in Clark County in 1962, and moved to Loyal where he also worked at Foremost Foods, Roth Manufacturing and EZ-Camper. Richard became the police chief in 1970 for the city of Loyal, and remained in that position until retiring in 1990. 

He and his wife were foster parents to many children over many years. After retiring, he drove school bus for Dahl Bus Service and mowed grass and hauled garbage for the city of Loyal. His wit and great sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Richard was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Loyal American Legion and the Loyal Lion's Club. He had many interests, but especially loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports, fishing, hunting, teaching Sunday school, coaching, Country & Western music, socializing and his coffee.

He will be dearly missed by his three sons, Mark of Chili, Scott (Jean) of New Richmond, Paul (Peggy) of Chili; six grandchildren, Megan (Josh) Martinson, Benjamin (Kellyn) Needham, Ross (Erin) Needham, Joseph Needham, Sadie (Ross) Spencer and Zachary Needham; two great-grandchildren,Brock and Brady Needham; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dene, on Aug. 28, 1999; one son. Bruce in infancy; and one sister. Janet Niemi.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements.