Harley A Helms

Freeman Spur- HARLEY A HELMS, age 88, of Freeman Spur, passed away quietly at his home at 10:20am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 with his loving family by his side. Harley was born in Herrin on December 30, 1923, the son of Harvey Auston and Lorine (Blythe) Helms. He married Drucilla Mae Russell in Pickett, Arkansas on July 17, 1948. Harley recently lost his loving wife of 63 years only six months previously. Drucilla passed away on October 4, 2011. Mr. Helms worked for Allen Industries in Herrin for thirty years, retiring on July 1, 1985. Sgt. Harley Helms served three years during World War II being a sergeant in the artillery in the Pacific Theater. He was a life long member of the VFW. Harley leaves behind his brother- Harvey Eugene Helms of Herrin and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Having no children of his own, he was like a father to many of them. He also leaves behind two sister-in-laws- Reba Brown of DeVane, WI and Audrey F. (Tom) Hamilton of Naples, FL; and three brother-in-laws- Donald Russell of Springfield, IL; Tom Hamilton of Florida; and John Belt of Florida. There is a special friend Lorrane Lewis of Springfield, IL who had been his wifes friend since high school who he greatly admired and cared about keeping in touch with even after his wifes death. Harley was preceded in death by his parents and his wife and his grandmother- Lillian Blythe and uncle Robert Martin. Harley was very loved and will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Entombment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military honors provided by Herrin Military Ceremonial Team comprised of Freeman Spur American Legion, Herrin American Legion, and Herrin VFW Post. Assistance will be provided by the National Guard Flag Honor Detail. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com