FRANCIS M. NEEDHAM

Francis M. Needham Sr., USAF Retired, 82, of the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL., formerly of South Bend, IN., died at 7:40 a.m. Tuesday (May 2, 2006) in the Home.

Born February 3, 1924 in South Bend, IN., Frank was the son of Roland and Dorothy Felker Needham.

A man of cool courage, 1st Lt. Needham served with the 351st Bomb Group in England flying 30 missions as a B-17 pilot during WWII with the 8th Air Force and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after twenty years of distinguished service in the Air Force.

Following working for Reynolds Electric in Nevada he operated a successful restaurant in CA. Frank was a resident of the Quincy, Illinois Veterans Home where he served as a friendly greeter to visitors. Frank was also a member of the Polebrook Post #351st Bomb Group Association.

He is survived by sons; Randall and wife Jean, of Lincoln, NE., Frank Jr. and wife Michaela, of Las Vegas, NV., Mark and wife Gloria, of Hood River, OR., Ben and wife Lisa, of Sellersville, PA., a daughter, Elizabeth J. Needham of Chatham, IL.; a step-son Robert and wife Katherine of Las Cruces, NM.; and seven grandchildren.

He will be sorely missed.

Cremation Rites were accorded to Mr. Needham. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemtery at later date.

Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy is in charge of the arrangements