Harry Needham

Harry Needham, age 92, of Sidney, NE passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021 during a brief hospital stay. His room overlooked a pond and field, and we like to think that the pheasants, ducks, geese and jackrabbits carried him away in his dreams - as everyone who knew Harry, knew that besides his family, his greatest love was spending time outside hunting and fishing.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the Church of the Nazarene in Sidney, NE with Reverend Lee Eads officiating. Inurnment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Friends were invited to stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Monday from 1-6:00 P.M. to sign Harry’s register book and leave condolences for the family. Family will be present from 5-6:00 P.M. You may view Harry’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Services will be recorded and available on our website for viewing.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Harry’s care and funeral arrangements.

Harry was born in Grant, NE on December 12, 1928 to Jesse Harold and Hazel (Stivers) Needham. He was raised in a sod house where he learned to hunt in the surrounding fields and would ride his bike to the area ponds to fish – often bringing home game for supper.  Harry was drafted into the Army where he served in Alaska from 1951–1953 - which only helped to further his love of the outdoors (are you sensing a theme?). After his discharge he attended body shop school in Milford, NE and spent time working for Pittams Body Shop in Sidney upon graduation.  

One day at lunch at the Yendis Cafe he met Alice - and the rest, as they say, is history. Harry spent 25 years working for Eggings and finished his career at Cabela’s giving guidance on...  yep... hunting and fishing. In between all that hunting and fishing he helped to raise three kids - Barbara, Connie and Kevin - of whom he was immensely proud.  Harry could tell a mean story and was always ready with a little bit of teasing to show that he liked you.

He had a soft heart and was always willing to pass on his extensive knowledge to his family, friends, and anyone who was interested. He was an avid artist who loved to draw and paint, tie flies, and craft leather goods. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Harry is survived by his wife Alice of Sidney; son Kevin and wife Cindy of Bennington, NE; daughters Connie Keith and partner Mark Cary of Fort Collins, CO; Barbara Lockhart and husband Mark of Marshall, MO; and Sharron Barber Covans. Grandchildren Nathan Lockhart, Elizabeth Crumbaugh and husband Brett, Rachel Fawkes and husband Jon all of St Charles, MO; Great-Grandchildren Carson and Owen Crumbaugh all of St Charles, MO.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jim and Merlin, his daughter Donna and his son Eddie Barber.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses, Aides and Staff at Sidney Regional Medical Center. We will always be grateful for their compassion and exemplary care provided to Harry and his family. Memorials can be made to the Sidney Memorial Gardens or to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital – both organizations to which Harry was deeply committed.