It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of John Edward Helm, 72, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. He was born March 24, 1953 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to Jack McEuen Helm and Mabel Lucille (Houser) Helm.
During his life he held many roles, the first of them being son, brother, sailor and father. He was proud to have served in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. After returning from the Navy he lived in Bodines, Pennsylvania until he moved to Salina, Kansas to follow work with the railroad and to be with family.
In 1978 John married Sharon K Helm. Through their 46 years of life together they raised their family, loved to travel, enjoyed time with friends and family doing simple things like losing at cards to their children.
John joined the Salina Fire Department in 1978 and held many roles there as well. He was a fireman, EMT, the Undisputed Bisquick King and Mad Scientist at the station house. He loved the brotherhood he had at the fire department. He had many wonderful memories from his time there and remained close with his fire family after retirement.
In 1988 he became a Fire Inspector which gave him the opportunity to work with the public which he enjoyed. He held the Fire Marshall post from 2004-2005 before retiring.
John was a member of the Prairie Long Rifle Inc., was an avid hunter, a lucky fisherman, he loved to travel, and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his friends and family. He was often slow to speak in that thoughtful way we could all learn a lesson from. He was always up for a joke and a laugh and enjoyed making people smile right to the end.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack (Mc) Helm, and his nephew Bob Helm Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Helm; his daughters, Melissa Sorell (Jacob) and Tonia Cotner (Robert); sons, Joseph Helm, Shon (Tammy) Helm, Chad (Crystal) Helm; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Patty) Helm and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North 8th Street, Salina, Kansas, from 10 a.m. to Noon; graveside service immediately following at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Safe Haven Baby Box Initiative or Salina Animal Shelter.