Obituary of Paul Edward Helton

Paul Edward Helton, son of Ike and Virgie (Baker) Helton, age 88, of Springfield, Missouri passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 2, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley (Pendleton) Helton; one daughter Jani and son-in-law Steven Humiston; 3 grandchildren Jaron (London) Humiston, Devon (Becca) Humiston, and McKayla (Josh) Humiston/Hawley; and 1 sister Sue (Charles) Johnson. Paul’s family includes many nieces, nephews, and loved ones who adored him and he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Ike and Virgie (Baker) Helton. Paul was born in Iberia, Missouri on May 23, 1932. He graduated from Iberia High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18 years. He served proudly for 2 years as a sergeant on the front lines of the Korean War and returned to serve the next 5 years with the Army Reserve. Upon return, he met the love of his life and married Shirley Pendleton on January 1, 1956. They were blessed with 1 daughter, Jani Lane (Helton), born April 7, 1959. Paul and Shirley resided in St. Louis where he spent many years working in the trucking industry in management. In 1973, the family of 3 relocated to Largo, Florida. After an adventurous summer of travelling the state, they asked Jani to pick a place to settle and Largo became home. Paul accepted employment with John Deere Industries where, in 1988, he retired at the age of 57 years. Paul and Shirley were blessed with several years of travel and motor home living. They returned to Missouri in October 2009 after their daughter’s prior relocation to be near grandkids and family. In 2012, Paul and Shirley hosted their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren with a 3 week European tour, a memory Paul and the whole family cherished. It was a gift he wanted to share and be a part of while he could enjoy the family together. He loved spending time with his family, travelling, clock and watch repair, and fishing. Visitation will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Osage Beach, Missouri, with a Celebration of Life Service to follow immediately at noon. Service will end with full military honors.