John A. Helm

John A. Helm, 86 of rural Oblong, IL, died at 1:23 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009 at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. He was born November 9, 1922 in Oblong Township, IL, the son of Christopher Helm and Massie Campbell Helm. John was a retired self employed oil field worker. He had worked for over 30 years for the MacDonnell Company of Lima, OH. After his retirement he worked in the oil fields as a contract pumper and retired in 2007. He served in the U. S. Army during WWII and had received the Bronze Star for his service. He was a member of the Oblong Central United Methodist Church and also attended the Potter’s House Ministry in Newton, IL. He was a lifelong member of the N. R. A. and was an avid fisherman, hunter and trap shooter. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of American Chapter #463.He married Mary Buck May 1, 1948 and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law, Janice L. Helm on September 2, 1993; 7 brothers and sisters, Violet Fantz, Alma Correll, Marie Helm, Cathrine Rhodes and her twin brother, Clifton Helm, Glenard Helm, and Bernard Helm.He is survived by his daughter, Rita Helm, St. Louis and his son, Todd Helm, Oblong; several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20th at the Central United Methodist Church in Oblong. Rev. Tommy Brewer is in charge of services. Burial is in the Oblong City Cemetery. Visitation is from noon Tuesday until service time at 2:00 p.m. at the Church. Military graveside honors will be presented by the Oblong American Legion Post. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.