Richard Helm

Richard was born December 3, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of William Arthur and Lila Sylvia (Neve) Helm. He graduated from Tech High in 1961 and attended Iowa State University for a short time prior to joining the United States Marines. He served three tours in Vietnam and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant after 21 years. During his career with the military he worked in Communications Maintenance. After retirement from the Marines, Richard attended Grand View College and later worked at the Veteran’s Hospital as a Computer Programmer until he retired in 1994. Richard was a heart transplant recipient in 1994. Richard is survived by his wife; four sons, Richard Helm, Jr. of Des Moines; Larry Helm and wife, Chrissy of Montclair, CA; Steve Helm and wife, Lana of Centerville; Randy Helm and wife, Bambi of Des Moines; three step-sons, Louis Hawthorne and wife, Liz of Memphis, TN; Timothy Hawthorne and his wife, Sara of Des Moines; Troy Hawthorne of San Diego, CA; two sisters, Sally Bache and Sylvia Moffett both of Las Vegas, NV; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Helm. On June 5, 1985 he married Geneva Maxson Hawthorne in the Winterset City Park. He was very active in politics and was a member of Madison County Central Committee for the Republican Party. He will be remembered for his service to his country and belief in freedom. Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, where family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. January 3, 2007 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset, Iowa. Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday January 4, 2007 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset, Iowa. Memorial: Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa.