William Needham
December 08, 2012
William Needham, Jr., 66, passed away Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
William was born December 27, 1945, in Des Moines. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. William was a mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved his family, especially his granddaughter, Abigail, and he loved attending her softball games. William also enjoyed his daughter-in-law’s cooking, boating and NASCAR.
William is survived by his son, Jamison (Stephanie) Calligan; granddaughter, Abigail; sister, Ann Needham; and many other close relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Esther Needham, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by a 2 p.m. burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathleen (Hendren) Drew
01/21/2013
I was shocked when I learned Billy had died. We no longer take the paper and I just learned of his death when I ran into another neighbor at the store.
I have lived across from Billy and his family for most of my life. He was always a good soul. I remember a picture his mother had in the living room of Billy in a cowboy hat on the back of a pony. A photographer in the 50"s would go from house to house taking pictures and then ask if the parents wanted to buy one.
I also remember a Summer evening when all of the kids in the neighborhood, including my own, were out playing ball in the street. Some idiot came speeding along, screeching tires and almost hitting the kids. Billy ran out into the street to try and stop the driver at risk of his own safety. That was Billy! He will be missed. His passing was way too soon.
JAN WEGS
01/01/2013
MY HEART IS HEAVY WITH SADDNESS & LOST FOR WORDS. BILLY & I HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD FRIENDS FOR 35 YEARS. AT ONE TIME WE WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED. I WILL TRULY MISS HIM & WILL TREASURE THE TIME WE HAD TOGETHER. I'M SO THANKFUL I WAS ABLE TO TELL YOU GOOD BYE. WILL LOVE & MISS YOU
Sherry and Neal Feuerhelm
12/12/2012
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Billy near Cattell School and just realized he was four days older than me. I remember him as a nice person who had a great smile and liked to laugh. Bill and Neal went deer hunting in Colorado many years ago, and you can bet they had a great time. Good memories.
We are sincerely sorry for your loss.
Julia Williams
12/12/2012
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news! Bill was a quality worker at the Post Office and a fun guy...can't tell you how many bad jokes I heard from him waiting to get a battery! He always let me know about potlucks, too..
My heart goes out to the family--this is a hard enough time of year without the added burden of grief...please know I will hold you up in prayer for strength, peace & most importantly hope. May you find comfort knowing his friends thought of him as truly "one of a kind."
Maggie and Marlene
12/12/2012
We had a lot of fun working with Bill and will always remember him for his high energy. We also enjoyed his place at Lake Rathbun and once in awhile caught a fish. Most of all water skiiing was a blast when Bill would show us his fancy moves. Rest in peace, Billy.
Mike Carnes
12/12/2012
Billy was my cousin.We have had lots of laughs over the years.He will be missed.
Linda Erickson
12/11/2012
We will miss Billy. His smile, his good humor and handiness were traits we admired and respected. He was always happy, that is what I will remember about Billy. And he worked, and worked, and worked. He can rest now.
Lance and Kathy Brown
12/10/2012
We will miss Bill. He was good hearted man. If something needed fixed Bill was the one to find problem and fix it. (Depending on parts available.) He could be a character, too. We would have a good laugh on several occasions. Bill would ask me when the next potluck would be so he could participate. Rest in peace Bill. You will be missed.