Donald Elwood Needham, age 88, of Forsyth, Montana passed away on Friday, June 8, 2012 at his home near Forsyth.
Donald Elwood Needham was born on June 16, 1923, the youngest son of James and Maggie (Johnson) Needham. He was born on the family farm and lived there most of his life. He went to Spring Valley School for 9 years and then graduated from Parshall High School. He started farming with his father after high school and continued until his father’s death in 1951. He then rented from his mother until her death in 1963. He made his living farming and ranching.
Don married Florence Gesell in 1944 at Russell, ND.
Don’s greatest interests were his horses and cattle. He leased grazing land from his neighbors and after the Garrison Dam was put in he had pasture and hay land on the islands of the Missouri River Reservoir. He barged his haying equipment to the islands in the summer and hauled the hay off over the frozen ice in the winter. He and his family swam cattle to the islands for summer grazing. Donald was also a State Brand Inspector, sold horse trailers and worked to promote High School Rodeo. Don built an indoor roping arena at the farm and held league roping for several years. Don passed on to his children and grandchildren, his love for horses, cattle and all animals.
Don is survived by his wife Florence, Miles City, MT; his daughters Judy (Keven) Hurd, AR; Barbara Needham (Kelly Kluver), MT; Teresa Hoven, SD; his sons, Tom Needham, ND; Bruce Needham, HI. Don is also blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don hung a plaque by his front door. It read:
Travel light in life
take only what you need;
a loving family,
good friends,
simple pleasures,
someone to love,
and someone to love you,
enough to, eat enough to wear,
and a little more than enough to drink,
for thirst is a dangerous thing.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 16th at 1:00 p.m. Central Time at the First Lutheran Church in Parshall, ND. Prayer Services will be held Friday, June 15th, 6:30 p.m. Central Time at the First Lutheran Church. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
J Nunnally says
I am sorry to learn of your family sorrow. The death of a loved one is painful. If I may, I’d like to share scripture found in your Bible that may comfort you in some way. Please take a moment to read John 6:40, 44, Ps. 36:9, 37:29.
Teresa Jorgenson says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing; Tom has very fond memories of him. Condolences to all of his family; keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Deloris and Rod Nielsen says
Our sympathy to the Needham families on the death of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time.
Dick Palmer says
To the family of Don. I extend by condolences and sympathies. I hunted, fished, trained dogs, worked, and even argued with Don but more important I respected Don
Helen Edwards says
With sincere sympathies to all the Needham family and my kindest regards to Florence. I have such fond memories of you all.
Peggy Rothchild says
Sorry for your loss!