David Lloyd Needler, 78, of China Spring passed away February 27, 2024.
Visitation:6-8pm Friday, March 1, 2024 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Graveside Service: 11 am Saturday, March 2, 2024 at China Spring Cemetery.
David was born January 11, 1946 in Brownwood to Junior (Jack) and Cleo Needler.
He graduated from Brownwood High School. During that time, David started out playing football but soon discovered his passion for rodeo where he did a little bit of everything from rough stock to roping.
David had several different jobs including working at a donut shop, a dairy farm and combining. Soon after high school, David was drafted into the Army where he served in Vietnam in the 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry. David lived up to the true meaning of “I’ve Got Your 6” while having the backs of his brothers in arms and saving several lives. His heroic actions were being recognized in the local military and hometown papers, but he was always making sure to send letters, videos and voice recordings home to mom and dad. David also received many awards, medals and badges while in Vietnam: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. After being wounded in combat, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
After being honorably discharged, he moved to Waco where he worked a couple different jobs and went back to his true passion: RODEO! While being an all around cowboy competing in multiple events, he stole the show in clowning! He was always being fearless and making sure his fellow cowboys were safe! Bull riders always wanted him to clown for them, which won him several belt buckles through the years.
Later David went to work for M&M Mars until he retired after 30 years.
David enjoyed hunting, fishing and yearly trips to watch NFR (National Finals Rodeo), but his favorite past-time was watching his cattle. On any given day given, one could find him enjoying the company of his granddaughters, watching their ballgames and livestock shows, and spoiling them with candy! He also taught them how to drive tractors and be independent. David’s love for his granddaughters and animals intertwined as they showed livestock. David was a jack of all trades, and there wasn’t much he couldn’t make, fix or figure out! He taught them to build ramps, barrel water troughs, and taught them how to walk their pig on a leash.
He could pull off a prank when you least expect it, tell a funny joke and spin a good tale.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Jack and Cleo Needler; and niece, Kathy Kemp.
Those left to honor his memory are his daughter, Shelley Needler; his son, Scott Needler (Elizabeth); three granddaughters, Dakota Needler (Tyler Hudson), Shyanne Needler and Sierra Needler; sisters, Donna Fouts (Donnie), and Dianna Little; two nieces, Jennifer Krahn (Mike and their children and grandchildren) and Cindy Kemp; and numerous cousins.
Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 15654 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633
Print Obituary & Condolences
So so for your loss prayers for you and your family
Sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Your brother sounds like an amazing and interesting man! Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss Shelley.
Scott and family I am sorry for your loss,your dad was a nice man.All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelly, Scott and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. David was a good friend, and one of the good guys. Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there is a memory ( And we have many} they live in our hearts to stay. We are here for you.
Donna & Donnie, I so sorry for your loss of David. He was very brave during his many health issues. I pray that God will grant you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. I’m here for you if you need me.
Your friend,
Sharon White
I worked for many at Mars with David, he was always a fair and honorable man and I know that he will be greatly missed. RIP David
To Needler Family
Jim Mabry and I want to express our condolences to the family. We worked alongside David at M&M for many years. He was fun to work with and quite a prankster. We are glad to have known him. And
we appreciate his military service. It had to be a tough time. RIP, my friend. Connie Kubitza
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family.
I just heard about David’s passing today. He was a very nice man. He will be missed. I also worked at Mars with him. To this day during the spring and summer months he would drive by our place in his truck and stop out front and I would go out and talked to him. Will miss my talks with him. Thanks for being my friend and your service. Prayers to his family. 🙏
I am so sorry for your families loss. He was a great man. I also worked at Mars with him. David was such a kind person. He would drive bye our house in the spring and summer and stop out on the road in his truck and I would go out to the road and visit with him. I will miss our talks. Prayers to his family and our condolences.
I also worked with David at Mars Inc. He was always fun to be around. He was such a quiet and hard working guy and he never mentioned his great and honored service in Viet Nam. That the type of sincere guy David was.
The last time I saw David was in Griff’s for lunch a couple of years ago. He was the same great guy as always.
I know he is greatly missed by his family and by all his friends.
Rest in Peace David.