Charles Lee Needham

Charles Lee Needham, age 85, of Waco, Texas died Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. He was born October 12, 1940 in Amarillo, Texas. He was one of the sons of the late Casper Hannibal Needham and Lula Viola Needham. Charles joined the Army in 1979 where he would make lifelong bonds and faithfully serve his country for 20 years. Charles studied at West Texas State University receiving a M. A. in History with a minor in Economics and then at the University of Arizona. One of Charles’ passions was the law, he became a Certified Legal Assistant and would work at various law firms alongside teaching paralegal studies at Mclennan Community College as an instructor until his retirement in 2020.

Charles’ passions were his family, detailing and working on his cars, books, and a lifelong love of knowledge and philosophy which he passed onto his children. Charles loved Texas and always considered himself a forever Texan by heart.

He was preceded in death by his son Carlos Needham. He is survived by his wife Suttinee (Meow) Needham, his sons Charles (Prescott) and Dustin, his daughters Roxanne and Melinda, and two brothers, Jerry Needham and Danny Needham.

Funeral services will be carried out by Crawford-Bowers. Charles’ wish was to be buried alongside his fellow servicemen. His place of rest will be at the Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen with services held on June 4th, 2026 at 10 AM.