George A. Helms

George Augusta Helms, age 89, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at the Anderson County Hospital in Garnett. He was born on August 4, 1924, in Nashville, Missouri, the son of William and Nena Mae (Hayden) Helms. George graduated from Nashville High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1944. George married Juanita Bowling in 1946; three sons were born to this union. They later divorced. He then married Shirley Parker in 1951; three sons were born to this union. They later divorced. He then married Betty Scates Roper in 1960 and two sons were born to this union. Betty had four children prior to her marriage to George. She preceded him in death in 1993. He married Betty Howie in 1997. She also preceded him in death in 2008. In 1967 George moved to Garnett from the Liberal, Kansas area. He worked at the Garnett Church Furniture Factory. George then owned and operated the Texaco station in Garnett for many years. After selling the gas station he went to work as a painter for Ottawa Truck and then as a fork truck operator until his retirement. In the 1970's George was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He delivered meals for the Senior Citizens in Garnett and played his guitar and mandolin with various local musicians. George loved to hunt, fish, prospect for gold, play his music, and visit with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nena Helms; his wife Betty Scates Roper Helms; and wife Betty Howie Helms; four brothers, Vernon Helms, Bill Helms, Joe Helms, and Riley Helms. He is survived by eight sons; Robert Helms of Nampa, Idaho; Edward Helms of Emporia, Kansas; Charles Helms of Augusta, Kansas; George Helms, Jr. of Hebo, Oregon; Randall Helms of Duchesne, Utah; Carl Helms of Louisiana; John Helms of Garnett, Kansas; Donald Helms of Burleson, Texas; and four stepchildren Carolyn Watson of Quapaw, Oklahoma; Alice Barnett of Garnett, Kansas; Earl Roper of Cleburne, Texas; and Eugene Roper of Mansfield, Texas; many grandchildren and great grandkids. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .