"David was a great husband, father and man, I remember the times when Uncle Francis and Aunt Dee would visit Oklahoma and stay with us. All us boys would go fishing and have a great time together. Rest in peace my cousin, You will be greatly missed,"
In loving memory of
David Alan Helm
February 4, 2021 - November 11, 2020
David Alan Helm, 71, of Washington, Indiana, was surrounded by his family when he joined his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, Indiana.
David (Dave) was born to Francis and Delia (Lockwood) Helm on February 16, 1949 in Northamptonshire, England. His family moved to Washington when he was seven years old and enjoyed time hunting and fishing with his Dad and his brothers growing up. He graduated from Washington High School in 1967, and was a licensed electrician in heating, air and refrigeration. He received a Merit Award for an Act of Bravery in 1965 at sixteen years old, and in true fashion, joined the Army in September 1967 as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served three years, including one tour in Vietnam, before being honorably discharged in 1970. He married Mary (Knepp) Helm on December 2, 1972 and together they raised three boys.
He leaves as his legacy, his wife Mary; three children William A. Helm (Laura) of Overland Park, KS, Arthur R. Helm of Washington and Thomas M. Helm of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren Matthew, Sophia, Charlotte and Alexander all of Overland Park, KS. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, John (Barbara) Helm of Washington. His family remembers him as a man who always found humor in life, especially when times were tough. He would always lighten the mood by his many words and phrases like “There are people who can and people who don’t want to”, “Every twelve year old red blooded American male should carry a pocket knife” and “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck” to name a few.
He was preceded in death by his parents (Francis and Delia) and one brother, Leroy Helm.
Dave “Doc Helm” (as his friends called him) was both jack and master of all trades. Dave was most known for his skills in electrical work and even though he retired in 2013, never stopped helping friends and family, both in the community and across several states. Dave was most passionate about his Faith, and was actively involved with Southwind Wesleyan Church.
A celebration is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2020 at 11:00 am at Ed Lee Mortuary North Chapel, 620 E. Viola St., with Phil Kessen officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery with Military Rites given by the Washington American Legion and VFW. A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Ed Lee Mortuary North Chapel from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The family requests that donations be made to either Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (https://www.nwhcm.org/) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/). The family would also like to thank all of Dave’s extended family and friends for their outpouring of support and prayers. Perhaps the phrase his family heard most often fits this occasion, “Well, time to go home!”
Condolences can be made to the family online at www.edleemortuary.com. All arrangements were entrusted to Ed Lee Mortuary.
Tributes
"David was a great man and I will miss him greatly. I remember all the times when we were together when all the family would visit Oklahoma. They would always stay with us and all us boys would go fishing in the ponds here on the ranch, Rest in peace my cousin,"
"So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Good memories of a nice '67 classmate and later visits at the Steamer. Our sympathy to the family. Karen and Gary"
"Our sympathies to your family in this time of sorrow, Mary , and boys, I had chatted with Dave about a year ago at length, and had hoped to meet up with him again sometime .......Alas, time has slipped away..."
"Bryan and I are so sorry to hear of your loss! Many happy memories were made with your dad. Although we know he is home now, we know how you will miss him."