Helm, Howard Calvin

Howard Calvin Helm, aged 91, died peacefully on July 13, 2021 in his home in Rich Creek, Virginia. He was born December 26, 1929, in Bozoo, West Virginia, the third child born to George Teddy (Fred) Helm and Pauline Akers Helm.

Howard thoroughly enjoyed his family, hunting, vegetable gardening, and researching family history. He loved to tinker and could fix anything. He received his amateur radio license in 1952 and Master Watchmaker certificate in 1956. Ham radio (W4MTT) was his passion for many years, and he loved making broken watches and clocks live again.

Howard always helped his family. He was a gentle, shy, live-and-let-live neighbor, a reliable and dependable employee, a quiet member of the community. He loved Rich Creek. Hard working. A man who kept his word. Took care of his parents in their old age and infirmity. Lived an honorable life and was an example for his two sons. Howard was a Master Mason in John Dove Lodge #78 AF&AM for more than 60 years and a member of Rich Creek First United Methodist Church.

After graduating from Peterstown High School, Howard joined the United States Air Force. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Keatley. They moved to Vallejo, California and lived there during Howard’s military service in the Air Force where he rose to the rank of Senior Airman. Howard proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Hawaii, Okinawa and the United States. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he and Evelyn moved to Rich Creek, Virginia to be near family. With 40 years of service in the Electronics Shop at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Howard retired in 1992.

Mr. Howard Helm was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his parents, and siblings George, Thomas, Vergie and James. He is survived by his sons, Stuart Helm and wife Sherry of Rich Creek, Virginia and David Helm and wife Connie of Riner, Virginia; grandchildren Paula Allen, Adam Helm and wife Rachel of Newport, North Carolina, Erin Stanley and husband Josh of Austin, Texas, Nathaniel Helm and wife Danielle of Athens, Georgia, Kaitlan Inglett and husband Ben of Colbert, Georgia; great-grandchildren Senior Airman Seth Burks and wife Ariel, Airman Jacob Helm, Josh Burks, Emma Allen, Enan Helm, Aliza Helm, Jaxon Mosco, Theo Stanley and Blythe Stanley; siblings Betty Weddle, Teddy Helm and wife Dreama; brother-in-law Ed Mandeville; a number of nieces and nephews and many close friends at the Giles Health and Family Center and Carilion Hospice.

Graveside services with military rites will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Rich Creek, VA, with Pastor Aubrey Whitlow officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Howard’s name to the Giles Health and Family Center (701 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg, VA 24134).

Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.