Richard Charles Helm

Richard Charles Helm was born in Elizabethtown, PA in 1920, the third of eight children born to Joseph and Olive Helm. He passed away peacefully at Masonic Village January 21, 2016.

Richard, known as Dick, spent his childhood in Elizabethtown roaming the town and nearby woods with his brothers and cousins, delivering newspapers, and building a life-long love of trains. Upon his graduation from Elizabethtown High School in 1938, he began working at Olmstead Air Force Base and then moved to Washington, DC to work at Bolling Field in 1940. While there he met a nursing student, Dorothy Minion. They married June 12, 1942 in Bingham Lake, Minnesota.

During WWII Richard served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic, spending most of the war in Monterrey, CA. Following the war, Richard and Dorothy returned to Elizabethtown where they raised six children in a home they built themselves.

Throughout his life Richard worked in skilled trades, first as a carpenter and later as a machinist. He was known among family, neighbors, and friends as someone who could build or repair almost anything which he willingly did. He loved spending time in his shop and was justifiably proud of his woodworking skills. His creations were often winners at the Elizabethtown Fair.

Richard was a life-long member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown for 87 years. He served the church on numerous boards and committees, as an usher, and as a “go-to” handyman. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and also served as its president.

Richard and Dorothy moved to a townhouse in Mt. Joy in 2001. In 2011, Richard and Dorothy retired to Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. With each move, they expanded their circle of friends.

Richard was pre-deceased by Dorothy, his wife of 72 years. He is survived by his children: Kathryn Shannon (James), Thomas Helm (Mary), Daniel Helm (Elizabeth), Carolyn Greiner, Nancy Helm (Ruth Callard), Joan Noonan along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandsons. His brother George of Elizabethtown also survives.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 398 North Locust Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022 on Friday, March 4th at 7:00 P.M. with visitation at 6:00 P.M. Private interment will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Boyer Funeral Home, Inc., 144 East High Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church or Masonic Villages, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Memo line on checks should indicate Hospice Program.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.Boyer-Elizabethtown.com.

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