Col. Glelma “Shorty” Orvin Helmick, devoted husband, father and grandfather departed this life on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at home surrounded by family in Morgantown. He was born March 10, 1929, in Pickens, to the late Orvin Clay Helmick and Lillie Goff Helmick.
On Nov. 28, 1954, he married his beloved wife, Louise Wuchner Helmick, in Buckhannon. He was an Army career officer for 32 years, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and one tour in Korea. He was a master aviator in flying helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He traveled the world and touched the lives of many. He was blessed with one son, Michael R. Helmick, who resides in Morgantown with his wife, Linda, their son Michael A. Helmick and companion Marshawna Montgomery, of Morgantown, granddaughter, Mya Helmick and companion Gage Hathaway, of Blacksville, and Pvt. Cody Helmick, currently serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Upon Glelma’s last tour of duty, he and his wife Louise enjoyed a second career as realtors with Century 21 in Louisville, Ky., whereas he retired after 20 years. While residing in Kentucky, he attended the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church but kept strong ties to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pickens.
Glelma is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister, Lorma Swaggerty, and great-great-granddaughter, Oakley Dawn Hathaway. Left to cherish his memory is his son, Michael Helmick and wife Linda; grandson, Michael A. Helmick; great-grandchildren, Mya Helmick and Cody Helmick; one brother, Dennis Goff Helmick and wife Hazel; niece, Pam Helmick McGonigle and husband Kevin; nephew, Garth Helmick; nephew, Gary Stone and wife Patty; two brothers-in-law, Everett Waggoner and wife Bobbie, David Varner and wife Dorothy; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Lynch.
A graveside service will be held with the Rev. Ed Tetteh as celebrant at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Pickens, at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 24. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery c/o Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 35 Franklin St., Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Colonel Glelma Orvin “Shorty” Helmick, U.S. Army Retired.
Condolences:
www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
