Howard J.Helms

Howard J. Helms, age 82, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away Saturday morning, August 5, 2017, at Truman Healthcare Center.      Howard was born April 26, 1935, in Van Nuys, California, youngest of the six children of Dewey and Stella (Petty) Helms.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Helms who was killed in World War II and Kelly Helms.      After graduating from high school, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Guadalupe during the Korean War.  Returning home, Howard lived in several different states and had worked in construction as a carpenter, as well as O’Sullivan Industries and Thorco in Lamar for many years.      Survivors include four children, John, twins, Jeff and Julie, and Cindy; a brother, Jerry (Joy) Helms, Kearney, Missouri; two sisters, Charlene (Keith) Helms, Kansas City, Missouri and Maxine Vickers, Flagstaff, Arizona; close friends, Bill & Dixie Taylor, Golden City, Missouri; and a large extended family.      Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 14th at Daniel Funeral Home.  A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Fort Scott National Cemetery.