IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
David Helmer
Graveside services for Harold David Helmer, who died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, will be 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at Marion Cemetery. Please wear mask to service if attending.
David was born June 17, 1951, in Wichita, being the firstborn son of Fred and Edith (Graham) Helmer. Having a strong Christian faith in God carried David through life’s difficult challenges and ushered him into his heavenly home.
He spent his early childhood in Wichita and then moved to Liberal, where he finished his schooling, graduating from Liberal High School in 1969. Majoring in art, he attended Wichita State University.
David was employed at Wings Security Oil Co. and Tradewinds, served in the Army, was a certified nurse’s aide, and worked for Gambino’s for a number of years.
While growing up, he actively participated in Boy Scouts and Gymnastics, was a member of the singing group Up with People, played bass guitar and sang for The Cost of Living band, and had a great love for art, music, and the Army.
He enjoyed going on family vacations to the mountains and attending summer camps, where he painted and sketched, with the Boy Scouts. David was a very creative individual who continued creating artwork throughout his life.
David was survived by his mother, Edith; sisters Debbie (and husband Harold) Thomason and Deanna (and husband Royce) Gilbert; and brother Dan (and wife Brenda) Helmer. He was a stepfather to two sons, Darcy and Bruce Pease, and step-grandfather to two granddaughters, Abbey and Danielle. He also was survived by several nephews, T.J. and Heath Thomason, Anthony and Austin Gilbert, Danny, Joe and Josh Helmer, and a niece, Ashley Wurtz. He was great-uncle to Kenna, Bree, Evie, Miles, Jenna and Caden Thomason; Alexis, Micah, Aiden, Malachi, and Phin Gilbert; Payton Wurtz; and Maddox, Mason, and Maier Helmer.
His father Fred preceded him in death in December 2016.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the David Helmer Memorial established at the Marion National Bank.