Philip Needham Obituary

Philip Deans Needham

February 7, 1942 - January 11, 2025

Georgetown, Kentucky - In Loving Memory of Philip Deans Needham.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Philip Deans Needham, who passed peacefully at home at the age of 82. Phil was born in 1942 to William C. and Dorothy D. Needham, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Weston, Connecticut. He graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1968. During his college career, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1965-1966. During his time in the Peace Corps, Phil taught PE and English at Kabul University - and picked up a good bit of Farsi as well! This was an experience that shaped his lifelong dedication to helping others.

Phil's career was a long and distinguished one; a respected horse farm manager, owner, and breeder in Lexington, Kentucky. He was a talented college athlete, excelling in cross-country skiing and baseball. He also enjoyed fly fishing, horseback riding, tennis, woodworking, motorcycling, and bicycling throughout his life.

Phil will be fondly remembered for his great smile, his enthusiasm for mentorship, and most notably, his role as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy Needham; sons, Chad and Todd Needham; sister, Nancy Merrill; brother, Bill Needham; his cherished grandchildren, Grant, Jackson, Truman, and Bella Needham; nieces, Christine and Susan Merrill and Emily Burns and nephews, Cory and Alex Needham, Josh, Scott and Eddie Escudero, Joe Sharp and Eric Soderquist. His legacy will live on through not only his family, but the countless lives Phil touched.

Per Phil's wishes, his body was donated to the UK College of Medicine Willed Body Program to further medical education and research.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held on February 7th at 4:30 p.m. at The Clerestory at Greyline Station, 101 W Loudon Ave, Lexington, KY 40508.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Phil's memory by supporting a charity of your choice or simply spending time mentoring someone in need, as Phil so often did.

Phil's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many lives he touched.