He is survived by his wife, Sandye Krider Helms; brothers Robert Helms (Marilyn), and Guy Helms (Kathy); sister-in-law, Mary Helms; sons Robert Esch (Janelle) and Chris Esch; grandchildren Hunter, Nathan, Aurora, Riley, Hannah, and Michael; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Nolan Davis Helms and Catherine Cobb Helms, and elder brother, Nolan Davis Helms, Jr.
Don was a man who loved all animals. He adopted stray dogs and had a heart for helping feral cats by humanely trapping them, taking them to be spayed or neutered, and then releasing them back into the wild—though often they chose to become part of his family. At one time, he and his wife tamed five feral cats and had a household of 11.
Born with “the gift of gab,” Don could talk the ears off a mule and never met a stranger. His storytelling was legendary, and he enjoyed making even the tallest of tall tales believable. He had a beautiful voice; when he was a member of the Chattanooga Boys Choir, he’d walk through the family house singing “Viva La Compagnie!”
Don loved being a part of the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community where he met many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice with him that he has left his worn, earthly body in exchange for his heavenly home. Our hope is in Jesus’ words in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 9th from 1-3 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. A memorial service will follow at 3 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Mark Davis officiating.
The family requests no flowers. Gifts in Don’s memory should be made to the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community at clemmaus.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
