Martin Needels

Martin D. Needels, 85, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at his home of a massive heart attack.

He was born July 23, 1936, in St. Marys, Ohio, son of Thomas Jefferson Needels and Deva Marie Hanlin Needels. On Aug. 21, 1962, Martin married Maribeth Wetzig, who passed away April 21, 2002. On March 6, 2004, he married Margaret Popham, who survives.

Martin served in the U.S. Air Force, 1955 to 1959.

He received a BA in history from Southern Arkansas University and MA and Ph.D. in history from the University of Nebraska. He taught in the History Department of Southeast Missouri State University from 1969 to 2001.

Martin was an active member of Abbey Road Christian Church, serving in several leadership positions.

In addition to his wife, Margaret, he is survived by son, Thomas (Marisa) of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; daughter, Jennifer of Cape Girardeau; and stepsons, Douglas (Jean) Popham of Tucson, Arizona, and David Popham (Rosalyn) of Wheaton, Illinois. He is also survived by grandson, Taylor Needels of Cape Girardeau; granddaughter, Lindsey Needels of Nashville, Tennessee; stepgrandchildren, Madeline and Lauren Popham of Tucson and Zachary and Alexander Popham of Wheaton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Hetrick; brothers, John and Jim Needels; and stepsisters, Maxine McMurray and Kathleen McMurray.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Abbey Road Christian Church, with the Rev. Elaine Schoepf officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Abbey Road Christian Church or to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.