Lt. Richard Needham

Lt. Richard Needham, 82, of Isabella, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2026.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Virgil William Needham and Lorraine Mary Needham (née Hittler). Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military service, he worked for Boeing in Everett, Washington, before beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.

Richard served the City of Jennings, Missouri, as a dedicated police officer for 32 years. Over the course of his career, he held the roles of Patrolman, Detective, and Sergeant, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. In recognition of his courage and service, he was awarded the Medal of Valor.

A lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Richard remained deeply committed to his fellow veterans and his community. After retirement, he settled in the Bull Shoals Lake area in Thedosia, Missouri, where he embraced a quiet and simple life. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, camping, working on automobiles, and riding motorcycles.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Needham (née Wallace) of Isabella, Missouri; his four children, Cheri (Gregory) Hawes of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, Richard (Deidre) Needham of DeSoto, Missouri, Tricia (Ronald) Smith of Fulton, Missouri, and Dennis (Natasza) Needham of Foristell, Missouri; two siblings, Patricia (John) Wilson of Stoutsville, Missouri, and Robert (Sharon) Needham of St. Louis, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Deborah Needham; beloved brother-in-law of Brenda, Tom, Mitchell, and the late Eric; seven grandchildren, Kevin, Richard, Shana, Jacob, Travis, Truman, and Winston; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Dennis Needham.

Richard will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his country and community, and his love of the outdoors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Backstoppers (backstoppers.org/donate), 1600 South Brentwood Blvd. | Suite 220 Brentwood, MO 63144 or plant a tree in his memory.

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville, MO. 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lt. Richard Needham, please visit our floral store.