William J. “Bill” Helm, age 79, of Crab Orchard, IL passed away at home surrounded by his family at 10:25 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009.
He was born, October 3, 1929, in Renfroe, AL, the son of William R. and Dora Belle (Fowler) Helm.
Bill answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army and was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and was honorably discharged following his tour of duty.
Bill was united in marriage to Jo Ann Stone on April 10, 1953, in Chicago, IL. Together they shared over 56 years of marriage.
He was an active member of the Church of God in Marion.
He was formerly employed by General Motors in Chicago, IL and was an assembly line inspector for many years before his retirement. Following his retirement he moved from Chicago in 1987, to his present home in Crab Orchard, IL. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union and for awhile served as Secretary for his Local Union. He loved his family and took pride in his home and enjoyed raising a garden. He always took time to care for the needs of others and was known as a good neighbor and friend. He loved to bowl and was a member of several leagues down through the years.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Helm of Crab Orchard, IL; daughter, Pamela “Pam” Gaines of Crab Orchard, IL; son, Ronnie Joe “Ron” Helm and his wife, Vicci, of Colp, IL; granddaughter, Erica Perry and her husband, Eric, of Amarillo, TX; great-granddaughter, Elyssa Rae Perry; great-grandson, Evan William Perry, several nieces and nephews, other extended family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Betty Pope, Bonnie Sue Montgomery and one infant sister and brother, Sammy Eugene Helm.
Arrangements for William J. “Bill” Helm were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for the family and friends was between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at the funeral home.
During the time of the visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people and places and events of Bill’s life was presented to the family and friends.The visitation resumed on Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of God, 1300 Broeking Road, Marion, IL. The funeral service followed at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Arthur Joplin presiding.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by organist, Louise Cutsinger. The service began with the presentation of the vocal musical selection “Safe In the Arms of God” by Rev. Jerry Schell, who accompanied himself on the piano. He then made comments of memory about Bill and then presented one of Bill’s favorite musical selections “I’ll Fly Away” with recorded accompaniment. Other musical selections presented during the service were “Some Call it Heaven” by vocalist, Jason Stubblefield, accompanied by pianist, Louise Cutsinger and “Written In Red” by vocalist, Gayle Hale, and accompanied by pianist, Heather Hale.
Following the service interment was in Willowrest Cemetery of Carterville, IL. Pallbearers were James Overstraeten, Steve Hale, Forrest Richardson, Billy Baize, Roger Gray and Stan Evetts.
Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and members of the Illinois National Guard all of Marion, IL. Those participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Jerry Thompson; Officer of the Day, Chuck Knapp; Bugler, Bill Deaton; Color Guard, Jessie James and Bill Reynolds; National Colors, Ernie Rinella; V.F.W. Post Colors, Jim Grieme; Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Ron Russell, Lawrence Tripp, Tom Hartwell, Dale “Squeek” Wilson, Ronald Ganzer and Brian Samuel. Folding of the flag was by National Guard Flag Detail members SGT Brandon Page and PVT Samantha Mocaby. Presentation of the flag to Bill’s wife, Jo Ann, was by PVT Samantha Mocaby. An additional flag was presented to Bill’s son, Ronnie, by PVT Samantha Mocaby.
Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered back at First Church of God for a meal and continued time of fellowship.
For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Envelopes were available at the funeral home and the church or mailed in care of the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
