In Memory
Donald Robert Helvey
Apr. 28, 1946 - May 30, 2014
Donald Robert Helvey, 68, of South Bend, passed away in his home, Friday, May 30th, after an extended illness.
Born April 28th, 1946, Don was the youngest of four children to the late John L. and Vivian (Hammer) Helvey. Growing up in the River Park area, Don developed an early love for fishing and boating classifying himself as one of the "River Rats". He spent many summers on his uncle's farm as a young boy to burn off some of his energy. Don attended John Adams High School. He played freshman football for the Eagles, and baritone horn. Don graduated in 1964. His first job was at his brother-in-law, Tom Reamer's gas station at a young age. In October 1967, Don attended a Halloween party where he planted a kiss on a pretty, young Catholic girl that he didn't know. After she slapped him and reminded him that they didn't know each other, he kissed her again.
This began a short courtship that led to a loving and lasting marriage with Terry Susan (Barber) Helvey. They just celebrated their 46th year of marriage. Don began a career with The Associates in 1966. During his tenure, the family moved ten times and relocated to seven different states. Don was a well-respected branch manager and had a great rapport with clients, as well as fellow employees. He returned to South Bend in 2001 and continued to do field consulting until 2003. He then retired in March of that year. He then was hired by First Source as a consultant and became a full time employee until he officially retired in 2006.
The one constant for him was the love of his life, Terry, and their family. Don took great pride in his role as provider and protector and dedicated his free time to his children and their activities. While his oldest son, Donny and his middle son Chris were young, he was active with their little league and soccer teams, and later became very active with the Hockey Associations in Minnesota and Illinois as the boys developed a love for the ice. His youngest and only daughter Kasi Marie, developed a love for horses with competition in three day eventing, and swim team.
Don loved being part of all activities that his children were involved in. His greatest talent was conversation. He could meet someone, ask two questions and carry on a two hour conversation with anyone from all walks of life and he was an excellent storyteller. He had the ability to mentor adults as well as children and was loved by nieces and nephews as well as his extended family. Don and Terry had many friends throughout the area and country whom were cherished and respected. In retirement, Don enjoyed and adored his grandchildren: Monica 16, Brock 14, Dakota 7 and Chance 4. He had a great rapport with kids. His hobbies over the years were playing softball, basketball, chess, visiting and talking to neighbors, working in the yard, hunting and playing cards with close friends.
His greatest passion was fishing. Ice, deep sea, large lake, river, and small lake, even in alligator infested waters in Florida. He was often found spending his days on the lake with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the Steel header's Fishing Club and the Walleye Fishing club. His love for fishing was second to that of his family. The memories that Don leaves his family and friends are of his hearty laugh and a smile that engaged those around him. He had a genuine gift for captivating audiences of all ages. You just wanted to be around him, listen to his advice, make him proud and bask in his strength. He will be sorely missed by many, many people. Those who know him well know that Don has already found an eternal shore with his creator and a beautiful lake to occupy his time…till we meet again. (A sister and brother-in-law preceded him in death Nancy (Helvey) and husband Robert Davis.)
He is survived by his wife, Terry Susan (Barber) Helvey, his lovely children, Donald M and Renee (Tarbet) Helvey of Castle Rock, CO, Christopher A. Helvey of Denver, CO and daughter Kasi Marie (Helvey) husband Kenneth (Otteson) of Moriarty, NM, grandchildren, Monica and Brock Helvey, and Dakota and Chance Otteson, his brother, John and Virginia (Banghart) Helvey of Edwardsburg, MI and sister Shirley (Helvey) and husband Tom Reamer of South Bend.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. with calling starting at 3:30 p.m. at : Clay Church, 52866 Ironwood Rd., South Bend. A continuation of the celebration will be at the Helvey home directly afterward with music and stories. We ask that you bring a dish to pass, your choice of beverages, and lawn chairs. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Hospice, and the Clay Church Food Pantry. God Bless you all.
Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.
05/07/2021 DEC
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