J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Helmer, Richard L.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Richard Leroy Helmer, 74, of Prince George, died, January 29, 2008. He was born in Lyons, New York. He served with the US Army Reserves and US Air Forces, a retired food technologist with the US Civil Service, a member of the Prince George Volunteer Fire Department, Co.#1, a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association,
a member of Gregory Memorial Presbyterian Church . Mr. Helmer was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Charles and Golda Allen Helmer, his wife Anna Marie Helmer, a son, Michael Shawn Helmer and a sister, Jean H. Martin. Surviving are his daughter, Kim Marie H. Short and husband Dabney E. lll of Dinwiddie, a son James Michael Helmer and wife Tonya of Prince George, three grandchildren, Kayla Marie Short, Drew Everett Short, Dustin James Helmer, a brother, Chester C. Helmer, Jr. and wife Geri of Montezuma, New York, sister, Edna Sanders and husband Howard of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 7-9P.M. in the Hopewell Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, February 1, 2008 at 2:00 PM in Gregory Memorial Presbyterian Church, with former pastor, Rev. Charles Brown, officiating. Interment will be in Southlawn Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to Prince George Volunteer Fire Department Co#1, P. O. Box 22 Prince George, 23875 Virginia or Gregory Memorial Presbyterian Church -P.O. Box 182 –Prince George, Virginia 23875. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

I just found out your father passed away, and am so sorry it is so late in my condolences. I worked with him back in his days with Troop Food Service Directorate at Fort Lee and he was such a super person. I thought highly of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your family.

Posted by: Mary Gartman at April 18, 2008 07:42 AM

Kim & Jamie & Family,

We are very sad for your loss but the comfort that
he is now reunited with your Mom should see you through this time of sorrow.
Always with that cigar but at least he didn't light it up, he had a great comical mischief about him accompanied with a huge heart. Knowing him as a member of the Virginia Military Vehicle Association he will always be remembered for his "style" of restoration. He was a man that loved his God, his family & friends and his country and he has been missed. His journey through life has finally taken him to a better place, one we think of as where he has jumped in the vehicle and joins in the rides with Clarence Little & Bill Hudgins along the trails of true peace.

Sincerely,
Stephanie & Carl Kindervater
(was Wirth)

Posted by: Stephanie & Carl Kindervater at January 31, 2008 06:08 PM

Kim & Jamie,

Words cannot express the sadness I feel right now, my comfort is in the fact that he is back together with Ann, and in the loving arms of God. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Bill

Posted by: Bill Talley at January 31, 2008 04:49 AM

Dear Kim, James and Family,

Thank you for the opportunity to care for your father Richard Helmer. He always brought a smile to many of the staff's faces here. Although he couldn't say much, you could read it in his eyes and if there was one thing we all knew, what that he loved his family very very much. Thank you again for entrusting the care of your father to us. We will miss him greatly!

Sincerely,

Misti Binford and The Staff and Residents of Greenfield Assisted Living of Petersburg

Posted by: Misti Binford at January 30, 2008 09:17 AM

Dick was one of the few senior members who took time with me as a Cadet -- he helped make sense of a lot of confusing ways about firefighting, for his time, leadership, and dedication, I am truly grateful.

Thomas Kelly
Dorm Fire Marshal, York River West,
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA

Posted by: Thomas Kelly at January 30, 2008 06:58 AM