Needham was the Shocker trainer for 13 years, until his death in 1958.

• he suffered a stroke at halftime of the WSU-Oregon State basketball game at Corvallis, Oregon on December 13, 1958, and died two weeks later.
• he was the trainer for the football, basketball and track teams and also served as the trainer for the Wichita Indians Class A professional baseball team for two seasons, during the summer months.
• he was the senior member of the WSU Athletic Association staff at the time of his death.
• Needham was a member of the National Trainers Association, and was highly regarded in his profession.
• many accolades poured in at the time of his death, praising not only his professionalism, but also his warmth and sincere caring for the people around him. Inducted, 1986.