Jerrel Dean Needham, age 84, of Nixa, passed away Thursday, August 16, 2012. He was born August 5, 1928 in Scranton, Arkansas, the son of Virgil Jackson and Gusta Ann (King) Needham. On January 22, 1952 he and Dixirae Morrow were united in marriage. Mr. Needham retired as a leaderman and pipe fitter for an oil refinery in McPherson, Kansas. In his earlier years he remodeled homes. Always a handyman, he liked working on old cars and lawn mowers. He and Dixirae traveled, and he enjoyed nature and fishing. He also enjoyed breakfast at McDonalds, and his chocolate and coffee. Survivors include: His wife, Dixirae; two children, Gary Needham and wife Rochelle, Crested Butte, Colorado, and Sharon Larson, Nixa; three grandchildren, Tina Larson, Lora Bowles and husband Jake, and Amy Needham; a great-grandchild, Sebastian Needham; nieces and nephews. His parents and three brothers preceded him in death. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 22, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Burial will be in Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday in the funeral home.