Levi Eugene Helton

Levi Eugene Helton, 79, of Catawba, completed his final Call of Duty here on earth and went to answer God’s heavenly call on May 30, 2026. He joined his parents Paul R. Helton and Arlee Bolick Helton as well as his sister, Martha Helton Hefner who had preceded him.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 51 years, Eva Lark Benfield Helton, son Daniel E. Helton and wife Monica O. Helton, as well as his grandsons, Dawson and Joshua Helton whom he treasured dearly. He will be missed by many friends and family members.

Levi grew up in Alexander County and joined the Army before he graduated from Taylorsville High School. He served in the Vietnam War during the 1968 Tet Offensive Conflict earning a Bronze Star. He completed his military career in the NC National Guard serving in various other conflicts and duties as well as Desert Storm. He earned many other medals and Presidential citations. After his military retirement as a Staff Sargent E-6. He was committed to serving his fellowman in various ways. In his civilian life he worked at various furniture factories in the area skilled in the craft of 8-way hand tie. He retired from Sherrills Upholstery.

Levi was a proud member of various veteran organizations including the following: Foothills Veterans Helping Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1136, AmVets Post 76, NC American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Tri-County Ch.6.

Levi will receive full military honors, and his service will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Hickory Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Rev. Robert Ford, Lay Chaplain Ric Vandett, and Retired Master Sergeant Larry McMullen will officiate the service. Private family burial will be at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to Asheville VA Medical Systems, Comfort Keepers Home Care and Carolina Caring for excellent care and support throughout Levi’s long-term illness due to the exposure to Agent Orange that he suffered in Vietnam.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Foothills Veterans Helping Veterans 502 Thornburg Dr., Conover, NC 28613, AmVets Honor Guard, 710 32nd St. NE, Conover, NC 28613 or any organization supporting the Western NC Relief efforts.