Roger Needham

Mr. Roger E. Needham, 56, of Roscoe, Illinois departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, May 24, 2024, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee surrounded by his loving family. Roger entered this life in Carthage, Missouri on April 6, 1968, to the union of Melvin E. “Gene” and Judy J. (Bittick) Needham. He was a graduate of Pierce City High School. He was united in marriage to Susan “Sue” E. Owens, to which they raised 3 beautiful children.

Roger was the CEO of Forreston Mutual Insurance Company, President of the NIRPC, Member of the Beloit Rifle Club, Merit Society, Claims Committee and NAMIC CCP, Board Member for CFM, CNI and Innovating Holdings, Chairman of Friends of NRA in Winnebago-Boone Counties, Board member of the NAMIC PAC and Board member of the Roscoe Police Department Pension Fund. Throughout his time with these organizations, Roger was the proud recipient of the 2005 IAMIC Volunteer of the Year award, 2023 FNRA Volunteer of the Year award, as well as the scheduled recipient (September 2024) of the prestigious NAMIC Service Award, which his father also received in 1991. Roger held the current designations of PFMM, AIC, API, ARE and was striving to achieve CPCU designation, to which he had one class remaining.

In his free time, Roger was an Auctioneer for FNRA, involved in the Bike MS Series, enjoyed spending time at the gun range serving as a Range Safety Officer, supporting Winnebago County 4-H Shooting Sports, Assistant Coaching girls’ basketball, smoking cigars, drinking bourbon and most of all, spending time with his beloved Grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his Wife; Sue of Roscoe, Illinois, two Daughters; Nicole (Paul) Pearson of Poplar Grove, Illinois, Kimberley (Alex) Smith of Indiana, Son; Brandon (Randi) Needham of Rockford, Illinois, Grandchildren; Melody Pearson, Kelsey Pearson, Bennett Smith and Owen Smith, Mother; Judy of Wentworth, Missouri, one Brother; Darren (Lara) Needham of Republic, Missouri, two Sisters; Leesa (Sol) Taboada of Nevada, Missouri and Janea (Jon) Minney of St. Charles, Missouri. Extended family consisted of many cherished Nieces, Nephews, In-laws, Aunts, Uncles and many Neighbors and Friends that he considered Family.

He is preceded in death by his Father; Melvin of Wentworth, Missouri. Roger's final selfless act of kindness was giving back to those in need through organ donation.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024 at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd. Rockton, IL with Rev. Dan Herman officiating. Cremation Rites were Accorded. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, Friday.

Arrangements are pending in Sarcoxie, Missouri for July 13, 2024 with more details to follow at a later date.

The family requests attendees wear cowboy boots in his honor.

Roger was active within many organizations that rely on donations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these organizations in Roger’s name:

NAMIC PAC
Attn: Kristin Eichhorn or Ingrid Gremillion
20 F Street NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20001

Winnebago County 4-H Shooting Sports
1040 North Second Street
Rockford, IL 61107