Roger W. Needham

Roger W. Needham, born Sept. 19, 1944, and departed this earth Feb. 3, 2023. Roger was born in Abilene, Texas, to Wendell and Helen Needham.

Roger, affectionately known as Doger to Evan and Erin, was truly one of a kind. His love for the outdoors was ever present and he would readily tell you that walking was his key to everything. He was a champion marksman, ran a fishing tournament on Lake Hamilton for many years, did a radio program on KBHS every Wednesday morning following the Tuesday night fishing tournament to report the winners, was an avid fisherman and hunter (even killed a bear), had a beautiful voice that led to having a No. 1 recording record in Hot Springs when he was 19 years old, published a book, could play the piano, guitar and harmonica, made the most beautiful knives, was a master at making at a good trade and loved watching “Gunsmoke.”

Roger was married to Jane Hicks Needham. They were introduced on a blind date and Roger asked Jane to marry him two weeks after their first date and they were married six weeks after his proposal. They were married 56 years. Jane preceded Roger in death by two weeks. His parents also preceded him in death.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Beth Graves, and husband Brett; grandchildren, Evan and Erin; sister and brother-inlaw, Brenda and Kim Wilson; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Julie Needham; sister-inlaw, Martha Hicks McDaniel; nieces and nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Evan Graves, Josh Cantwell, Ronnie Daniel, Jimmy Ward, Matt McKee and John Westerman.

Honorary pallbearers are Dean Graves, the elders and deacons at 70 West Church of Christ, the Ward family, and Gib and Ella Mae Blackmon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paragould Christian Children’s Home in Paragould, Ark. Roger had many drives for specific needs throughout the years for this orphanage and had a deep compassion for these children.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at the 70 West Church of Christ, Hot Springs, Ark., where Roger was a member and served as a deacon for many years. His services will be conducted by his grandson, Evan Graves, and his son-in-law, Brett Graves.

Burial will be at the Medlock Cemetery in Fountain Lake, Ark., with full military honors.

Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.