Don Cornelius Helm

Don Cornelius Helm was born on May 7, 1937 in Finley, Oklahoma to Cornelius Everett and Kathryn (Carlisle) Helm. He passed away at the age of 86 on August 21, 2023, in the same town he called home.

Don served our nation in the United States Army Reserve before dedicating many years to Georgia Pacific, from which he retired. Retirement found him returning to his roots as a rancher and enjoying the simple things in life.

A natural storyteller with an undeniable sense of humor, Don brightened up any gathering. He cherished the simple joy of operating the family ranch, and always looked forward to leading singing at the Finley Church of Christ. Above all, spending quality time with his family and friends was his greatest pleasure

Don was preceded in death by his devoted wife Marita Helm, who passed away in 2015; beloved parents; and his brother Jack.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his children Marcy Helm of Finley, OK, and Donna and Jeff Thompson of Argyle, TX. Don will also be remembered by his nephew: Jay Helm; his sister-in-law: Doris Helm; his grandchildren: Christopher Don Ellington (and wife, Naomi), Tristan Ellington, and John Ellington, all of Finley, OK; as well as great-grandchildren: Jordyn Rose Ellington, Christopher John Ellington, and Calliope Marie Ellington.

In addition to his family, Don will be missed by his coffee comrades at Jim Ray's, the good folks at Lil' Mama's Kitchen, Trish McCarn, and Duck Robbins, who became as dear as family.

Services will be held at 10AM Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Antlers Church of Christ with Brent Franks officiating. Interment will follow at Finley Cemetery. Family visitation will take place on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 2-4PM at Serenity Funeral Service.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Finley Community Center, P.O. Box 58, Finley, OK 74543 or Finley Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 24, Finley, OK 74543, two organizations that were dear to Don's heart.

Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers, Oklahoma.

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