Carson L. Needham

Carson L. Needham, age 21, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, February 19 as a result of a car accident. Carson was in his third year at Northern Michigan University (NMU) pursuing a degree in communications with a minor in music.

The greatest passion of Carson's life was music. He fell in love with the rhythm of drums in elementary school, took lessons at the Beat Lab, and played percussion in the Central High School concert and marching bands, TCC Jazz Band, and all the Central musicals. A natural leader, he loved teaching and was elected captain of the drum line his junior and senior years of high school. After he graduated from high school in 2020, he continued his passion, playing the drums as a member of the NMU marching and jazz bands, percussion ensemble, as well as the pep band at hockey games.

Carson's childhood was a happy one. He spent hours playing at home with a wonderful group of neighborhood friends. Some of his happiest times were spent swimming and boating at Grandma Judy's house on Spider Lake. He also loved sports and played on the TC Lions Pop Warner football team, the TBAYS and TC Central soccer teams as well as at NMU, on the intramural soccer team. Carson also loved hiking, skiing, disc golf, and playing board and card games with his friends and family.

Carson met his girlfriend, Lauren, their freshman year at NMU. He cherished the time spent with Lauren and her family. Together they enjoyed many memorable trips and adventures.

Carson is survived by his parents Dave and Cristy Needham, brother Charley (Danielle) Needham, nephew Dawson Needham, girlfriend Lauren Mauser, grandparents Judy Sines, Paul Needham (Maggie Goeman), Bev (Phil) Anderson, and Larry Sines. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Beverly Sines. Carson also leaves behind his uncle Mike (Pamela) Sines, cousin Travis Sines, uncle Jeff Needham, cousins Tyler and Fyn Needham, and many more beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

A memorial service honoring Carson will take place at 12:00 p.m on Saturday, March 4 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of the service. Pastor Chris Lane will officiate. Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Carson and his family. Carson was approved as a participant in the Gift of Life Donor Program.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the TCAPS-CHS Band, Central High School, 1150 Milliken Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Carson's family at his tribute page at https://www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com/obituaries/Carson-Needham/#!/TributeWall .