Helms, Don F.

Helms, DonMr. Don F. Helms, 84, of Galesburg died at 1:50 am Wednesday April 8, 2015 in Rosewood Care Center.

He was born August 6, 1930 in Maquon, Illinois the son of Ezra C. and Dortha Shore Helms. He married Dona L Benedict in East Galesburg, Illinois on August 26, 1950. She preceded him in death on December 8, 2004. He later married Barbara Jacobs Varnold in Galesburg on April 15, 2006. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Thomas (Joyce) Helms and Casey L. Helms both of Galesburg; three daughters, Jackie (Steve) Herrick of Victoria, Illinois, Jerry (Mark) McLaughlin and Tracey (William) Ebbing both of Galesburg; two step children, Harold W. (Cindy) Varnold and Karen Johnson both of Galesburg; two sisters, Samalee Jones of Tacoma, Washington and Lynette Miller of Galesburg; ten grandchildren, one step grandson, thirteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, a brother and a grandson, Matthew McLaughlin.

Don served in the US Air Force from 1949-1951 during Korean War as a Sgt.

Don worked as a switchman and brakeman for Burlington Northern Railroad for 40 years, retiring in 1991. He was raised in Knoxville, Illinois graduating from Knoxville High School in 1948. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed sharing nature with his family. He was a member of the Burlington Northern Prairie Hub Club. He was a past member of the former Galesburg Eagles Lodge #518 and the former Moose Lodge #880. Don was a lifetime member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. He also was a member of the National Riflemans Association. He was a member of the Half Hundred Club. He attended the First Church of the Nazarene.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10 am Monday, April 13, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Harold Berrian will officiate. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the chapel. Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or First Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

ReCENT POSTS

Loading...