Marshall Ray “Butch” Needham
Graveside services for Marshall Ray “Butch” Needham, of Soper, Okla., were held Feb. 10, 2026 at Sugar Creek Cemetery. Marshall passed away Feb. 5, 2026, at the age of 78.
Marshall Ray “Butch” Needham was born on March 31, 1947 in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Cecil Ray Needham and Esther Henrietta (Moreau) Needham. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Gary Needham and Raymond “Rocky” Needham and sister, Deborah “Debbie” Ward.
Butch married his beloved wife, Linda Kay Seward on July 13, 1968 in Downey, Calif. They later moved to Choctaw County in 1987 to be closer to their families. Butch was a man of many talents, but his carpentry work was more than a profession, it was a hobby he truly enjoyed. An avid outdoorsman, Butch found solace and joy in the serenity of hunting and the gentle rocking of his pontoon boat while fishing. His hobbies didn’t stop there; he also enjoyed turtle trapping and bowling in his younger years. Later in life, he picked up golfing and won many awards in local archery competitions. Above all else, he was a big Oklahoma Sooners fan and never missed an OU softball game. However, Butch’s greatest joy in life truly was his family; they were his biggest blessing. Butch leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and selfless devotion. His life was a testament to the joy of simple pleasures in life and the value of friendship and family. Butch’s selflessness was evident in every aspect of his life. He was the first to offer help and the last to ask for anything in return. Even through the rough times, he would always reassure his family that he was “Right as the rain.”
Butch is survived by his wife, Linda Kay Needham; son, Michael Needham and wife of Hugo; daughters: Michele Shaffer of Hugo and Amber Davis and husband of Hugo; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Needham and wife; sister, Diana Venzon and husband; many special nieces, nephews and a host of other family.
Dan Davis officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
