Col. Robert B. Helmlinger, Jr., USA (Ret) died Nov. 4, 2018 in Cary, NC He is survived by his wife of 69 years Deniece Bruns Helmlinger. Bob was born in Meadville, PA on Dec. 25, 1928. A Texas native he always said he married the most beautiful girl in Texas.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Paula Clagett. He is survived by daughters Teresa Ratcliff (Doug), Donna Pittman (Jack), and Trish Nicely (Lee), he is affectionately known to his eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren as Popsie.
Bob received his bachelor's degree from San Antonio College and his Master of Education from St. Mary's University. He served in the Marine Corps during the China Civil War and then taught high school and coached football in Texas, leading his team to the State Quarterfinals (this is Texas football folks!). He served in the US Army in Viet Nam and as a battalion commander in Korea. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Marine Corps China Service, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Reservist Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Services Expeditionary Medal, Armed Services Reserve Medal with 1 Bronze Hourglass, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and Unit Citation with 2 Bronze Stars.
After his retirement he flipped homes in Houston before it was called flipping! And eventually settled in NC where he was proud to build starter homes.
Bob provided a legacy of honor and integrity for his family and all the lives he touched. Always forward thinking before his time he encouraged his daughters to succeed in higher education and their careers. Through successes and failures he was always their strongest advocate.
A visitation will be held on Thurs., Nov. 8, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Brown Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. A mass of resurrection will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church in Raleigh. Interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
A special thank you to Diane Holmes and Transitions Life Care for their loving care and support.
Here’s to you Daddy! We’re celebrating you with your favorite gin and tonics!
