In Memory
John F. Helvey
May 20, 1933 - Oct. 22, 2020
EDWARDSBURG, MI - John Franklin Helvey, 87 years old, of Edwardsburg, formerly of South Bend, passed to his rest Oct. 22, 2020 at his home after an illness. He was born May 20, 1933 in South Bend, the son of John L. and Vivian (Hammer) Helvey and has lived in the Michiana area all of his life. He graduated from John Adams High School, where he was active in baseball and football. Then he served in the United States Navy from 1951-1953 and was Honorably Discharged.
For over 60 years, John was active in the car business, in sales and as a used car Manager, where he managed at Freeman-Spicer Studebaker until their closing. He then went to other dealerships in the area. He was an avid fisherman since childhood and he was one of the four founders of the Michiana Steelheaders. He was a diehard Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Notre Dame fan. John was a member of the Hope United Methodist Church of Edwardsburg.
John was twice widowed, by Rojean and Dorothy, and he was preceded in passing by his parents and his siblings, Nancy, Shirley, and Donnie.
Surviving is his wife of 21 years, Virginia Banghart, his children, Cindi Helvey, Cathie (Marty) Pynaert, and Cheri (Jack) Flock; Virginia's children, Jeff Banghart, Doug Banghart, and Pam (Kirk) Rockwell; and grandchildren, John (Katie) Stopczynski, Jody (Kerry) Wieczorkowski, Brian (Amber) Pynaert, Kelly Sisum, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Alexanderia, Matt, Brooke and Bryce Banghart, Emma & Joey Rockwell.
The family will gather for a private Memorial Service at the Hope UMC. There will be another Celebration of John's Life by the family at a later date. Cremation has taken place.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hope United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 624, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0624.
Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.
11/01/2020 JFC
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