Keith "Dave" David Helsel

Dave was born in South Fork, PA on December 7, 1930. He was always a very hard worker and at the age of 13 he became parts manager at the local car dealership. He met the love of his life, Pearl Marshall and they married March 31, 1951.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and proudly served our country for 20 years. During that time, he had many roles including instructor for the electrical systems on the F-111 and other various aircrafts. He served at several bases around the country and abroad. His last assignment was with the Strategic Air Command at Carswell AFB, Ft. Worth, TX.

After retiring from the Air Force, he had a second career at Bell Helicopter where he was an electrical engineer, working on aircraft such as the Osprey. He retired after 25 years.

Dave was a man of many talents. He was self-taught in the art of lapidary, creating beautiful jewelry, and oil painting his favorite flowers. He also donated his time and wood working skills to his church and built the pulpit, baptismal and hand carved cross.

He enjoyed spending time in his garden and was always ready to help others. In 2019, he had the honor of being Grand Marshall in the Mansfield Veterans’ Day Parade.

He was a devoted husband and loving, amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Marshall; parents, Merle Helsel and Esther Snowball; siblings, Richard Helsel, Cliff Helsel, Linda McQuaide, Jane Helsel, Henry (Mary) Zientara, Esther Zientara, Fredrick Zientara, Marth Reid and Eleanor Good; and beloved son-in-law, William Getz.

Survived by; daughters, Sharon Getz and Cheryl Helsel; grandchildren; Chris Getz (Tanya) and Tamara Dortch (Steve); 7 great grandchildren, Kameryn Dortch, Madison Dortch, Kaya Getz, Tyler Dortch, Caleb Getz, Kira Getz and Cooper Getz; Siblings, Daniel Helsel, William Snowball, Barry Snow (Linda), Betty Helsel, Charlotte Helsel, Stan McQuaide (Debbie) , Dorothy Stefanik, Fred Marshall (Pat); and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to Universal Health Services Hospice.

Universal Health Services Hospice

5651 Bridge Street

Fort Worth, Texas 76112

817-451-1404