Terry L. Needham, 64, of Grinnell and formerly of Newton, died on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at his home in Grinnell with his family by his side.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 24, at the Heart of Worship in Lynnville with Pastor Tom Pool officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery in Lynnville. Memorials may be designated to the Terry Needham Memorial Fund, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Terrance Lynn Needham was born the son of Walter Lee and Francis Colleen (Sparks) Needham on Monday, Oct. 29, 1951, at Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was raised and educated in Lynnville.
Following his education, Terry began his longtime career at Maytag in Newton in August 1970. During this time, he was an active member of the United Auto Workers. After 30 years of dedication, Terry retired from Maytag on May 30, 2000. Following his retirement from Maytag, Terry worked for the Newton School District for four years.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 1987, Terry was united in marriage to Pam Needham at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. The couple lived in Newton for several years before moving to Grinnell in December 2015.
Terry dearly loved his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He treasured the times when the family was together, whether it was working on cars with his kids or attending one of the grandchildren's activities. He made sure he taught his children and grandchildren the fundamentals of life. His enjoyments included tending to his garden and flowers, tinkering on things, hunting and fishing, and trying new things. Terry will be remembered for his quick wit, keen sense of humor, and kind and gentle ways.
Terry is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pam Needham of Grinnell; children, Jeanie (Randy) Van Wyk, Terry (Tammy) Needham II, Shaun (Dana) Needham, and Trisha Van Wyk, all of Lynnville, Michelle (Nathan) Andrews and Rob Needham, both of Grinnell; 12 grandchildren, Jeron, Joe, and Riley Van Wyk, Tanner and Tierney Needham, Cheyanne and Sydney Needham, Cameron and Ashton Van Wyk, Brittany Gander, and Jared and Mayci Andrews; and his brother, Gary (Karen) Needham, Cedar Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Tim and Michael Needham.
