Ernest Lee Helman Jr.

Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne, whom he was married to for 34 years. He is survived by his children Chris, Stephanie, Will, Doug, and Ryan. Additionally, Bud is survived by his 14 grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, and his faithful companion of 14 years, Bubba.

Bud was an avid sports lover. He played golf every chance he got at his home course at Creekmoor, and the guy’s annual golf trip to Bella Vista, Arkansas. No matter what demands life placed on him, he never missed a single event in his grandchildren’s lives. Whether it was a school performance, a game, a ceremony, or a moment that mattered only to them, he was always there.

Bud was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being on the family farm, riding horses, cutting wood, and raising cows. He liked to watch Yellowstone, Old Westerns, College and NFL Football, and hollering at Fox News all day.

He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard where he earned the respect of his fellow service members through his discipline, integrity, and willingness to lead by example.

His stories reflected both the sacrifices he made and his deep honor in serving. Bud began his time in the military serving as a military policeman, then an engineer, and several leadership positions in the Missouri National Guard, ending his service as the Commandant of the Missouri Officer Candidate School. He served his country with honor overseas in both Korea and Germany. He was highly decorated during his military career, earning numerous ribbons and medals in recognition of his service.

Bud and Jeanne enjoyed Christmas and the holidays with the family get-togethers. In particular, while he didn’t enjoy shopping for the gifts so much, he enjoyed immensely, and took great pride in wrapping all of the gifts and somehow was able to remember who got what without putting a name on any of them.

Bud’s life was one of service, leadership, and love. He will be deeply missed by his close family, friends, and neighbors.

A visitation will be held on November 26, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A committal service with full military honors will be conducted at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, also at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, at 3:00 pm on the same day.