He was born February 2, 1952 as the eighth child from 10 children to the Helmke’s from Seguin, TX.
Due to family conflicts and financial problems raising 10 children, the 4 youngest were taken away by CPS in 1958 and adopted by more financially stable parents. Jerry (age 6) was adopted by Dr. Roland and Josephine Bing of Victoria with his brother, Donald (age 9). Their younger siblings, Shirley (age 4) and Larry (age 2), were adopted at the same time by the McIver's of Lake Jackson, Texas. The Bings wanted to adopt all 4 siblings, but due to Mrs. Bing's heart problems they only were allowed by CPS to adopt the older 2 boys (Jerry and Donald). 21 years later after their adoptions, the siblings were all united again and remained in contact with each other.
After graduating from Victoria High School in 1970, Jerry attended Texas A&I Kingsville to obtain his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. In his younger years, he lifeguarded at the YMCA, worked for Melvins Clothing for Men and Sunshine Florist. In his adulthood, he was a car salesman for Zeplin Motors, a salesman for Whole Life Insurance Company and a tool pusher in the oil field. In 1985, Jerry and Kathy purchased Chem-Dry of Victoria, which had been in operation for 35 years. In 1999, he purchased The Hideaway Bar and his children are continuing to manage it to this day.
He is survived by his three adoring children, Clint Bing, Julie Bing and Stacy Canchola; two very special granddaughters, Kailee Casparian and Everly Canchola; and the ever-loving mother to his children, Kathy Bing. He is also survived by two sisters, Betty Glenewinkel of New Braunfels, Texas and Shirley Allen of Richwood, Texas; sister-in-law, Bernadine Bing of San Antonio; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews; and a lot of extended family, friends, caregivers and his "Hide Away Bar family”.
He was preceded in death by his birth parents, Gilbert and Minnie Helmke; adopted parents who raised him, Dr. Roland and Josephine Bing; and siblings, Dorothy Bierstedt, Elroy Helmke, twins Chester and Lester Helmke, Gilbert Helmke Jr., Donald (Helmke) Bing, Larry (Helmke) McIver; and nephews, Michael, Dean, John, Gilbert, Jerry Helmke and David and Phillip Skinner.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 1PM-2PM at Colonial Funeral Home, with funeral services beginning at 2PM. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Wayne Buske, Gary Gruenewald, Larry Leuschner, Ronnie Pruett, Terry Pederson and Joe Delgado. Honorary pallbearer is Gary Stroud.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
