Richard “Dick” Needles

Richard L. “Dick” Needles, age 91, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, January 05, 2019, in his residence.

Born in Columbus, Ohio on September 21, 1927, Dick was a son of the late Glenn and Winifred Marlowe Needles.

At a young age, Dick enlisted into the United States Army. He later re-enlisted in the United States Navy and then transferred to the United States Air Force. Professionally, Dick was a truck driver for more than 30 years. In 1994, he retired from the Columbus Board of Education where he had served as a school bus driver for many years.

He enjoyed fishing, was an avid dog lover and an even bigger fan of The Ohio State University Football. Dick also followed the college football circuit and had the ability to recall statistics and poll placements throughout the season. Dick, who was Catholic by faith, also enjoyed attending St. James Lutheran Church in Tuscarawas and taking long drives in the country.

He is survived by his wife, the former Jane L. Roth whom he married on October 6, 1973; his children, Michael Richard (Connie) Needles of Florida, Jodi (Roger) Eckerman, Julie McKay, Jamie Needles, Patrick “Stacey” Needles, Sherry (Bob) Dunning, Eileen Howard, and Richard C. (Joan) Needles all of the greater Columbus area.

Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Bill” and Gordon Needles; a sister, Betty Green; two half-sisters, Juanita and Mary Margaret; and a half-brother, John.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 11:30 AM in the St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Hacker officiating. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the church social hall following the committal.