Lee Helms

Lee Helms, 90, of Creve Coeur, IL, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018 at his residence. He was born on January 5, 1928 in Thebes, IL to Henry and Essie Mae (Stacks) Helms. He married Wanda Lee Vancil on January 23, 1954 in Benton, IL. She preceded him in death on January 10, 2001. He was also preceded by his parents, and three brothers, Charles, Beuford and William Helms.

He is survived by two children Jim (Judy) Jerolds of Jonesboro, IL and Mary (Jeff, who passed away on December 24, 2017) Hoge of Creve Coeur, IL; four grandchildren Bradley (Belinda), David, Jake and Terra Jerolds; 3 great grandchildren Colton, Conner and Jaylen Jerolds; and one brother Joe (Pat) Helms of East Prairie, MO.

Lee retired from Caterpillar in 1980 as a Hand Trucker, after 30 years of service. He was a Navy Veteran, serving as a Fireman 1st Class and Watch Stander for the Engineering Dept. aboard the USS Saipan CVL-48. He had been a member of the First Baptist Church of East Prairie, MO.

Lee loved motorcycles and Corvettes and working on both. He never met a stranger on his many travels. His family would like to thank the staffs of OSF Hospice and Kyle’s Home Instead for the loving care they provided to Lee.

Funeral services will be private. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery. In leiu of flowers memorials may be made to the Averyville Baptist Church Boiler Fund, OSF Hospice, or Kyle’s Care at Home, 1441 Valle Vista Blvd, Pekin, IL 61554.