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Clyde Wilton Needham
08/28/1926 — 11/08/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Stockton, California
Clyde Wilton Needham
Clyde Wilton Needham passed November 8th 2009 at the age of 83. He was born in Stockton, California August 28, 1926 to parents Claude Melbourne Needham and Lecta Sophia Sally Harrington.
In addition to a wealth of friends Clyde leaves his immediate family: wife, Wanda Marie Needham; sons, Claude William Needham and Robert Wilton Needham; granddaughter, Jessica Marie Mccall and great-granddaughter Jadyn Skye Mccall.
Clyde joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served in the 79th US Naval Construction Battalion in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Clyde's military career was cut short by a serous injury caused by a land mine. After World War II Clyde went into the aerospace program working to test the Thor missile delivery system and, most notably, while working for Macdonald Douglas cooperation the development and testing of the Saturn V Rocket engine used in the launch of the Apollo Missions to the Moon.
After the conclusion of the Apollo moon project Clyde worked in the Nuclear Power Industry. He worked on the construction of Diablo Canyon Power Plant in central California while working for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. After the conclusion to the construction of Diablo Canyon Power Plant he relocated to the Hanford reservation where he worked on a variety of projects. Clyde concluded his working career developing safety procedures for the long-term disposal of high-level nuclear waste.
Besides the love of his family and friends, Clyde's other love was being a pilot. He could be seen on weekends soaring high above the Tri-Cities.
Services and a celebration of life ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Memories at Sunset Event Center, on the beautiful grounds of Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick WA 99336.
I have the fondest of memories of Clyde, what a gentleman. You are missed. Godspeed you to glory.
Dear Wanda and family,
It seems like only a few weeks ago I was working on stage with Clyde. For this reason and many others he will be missed.
Please let us know if you need anything.
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Eric and Ruth Richman
Wanda–We were saddened to learn of Clyde’s death. He made an enormous contribution to our community and the nation. We will miss his effort backstage and in the community. May you have many beautiful memories. Daryl and Pat Jonson
Wanda
I have enjoyed Clyde’s wit and his sense of humor for many years as we worked together on a couple of jobs here at Hanford…I hope the love of your family helps bring a feeling of comfort for you in this time of separation. I will miss seeing Clyde and You in the spudnut shop. I enjoyed hearing about his trips and adventures. God is truth and will always take care of us. May God bless.
Wanda– I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that Clyde has gone to a greater peace and I hope that you can find peace in your heart even with his departure.
Thinking of you,
Lola former Rx lady
My Dear Wanda,
Thinking of you my dear fellow river warrior. We look forward to seeing you & Molly along the river’s edge where solace is found.
Blessings & love, Te’
Wanda,
I only met you a few times but I met Clyde when I learned to fly at Vista Field in the early 90s. He was so pleasant and was always interested in how my flying was going. Through the years my husband and I would often see him at flying events. We will miss him.
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Clyde Wilton Needham