Harry Lee Helms' Obituary
Harry Lee Helms, age 84, of Lakeview, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Bell Tower Senior Apartments in Lakeview, Michigan. Harry was born in Lakeview on the family farm on November 8, 1932, the son of Richard and Agnes (Cooper) Helms. He was raised in Lakeview and graduated from Lakeview High School Class of 1953.
Harry was employed by Federal Mogul his senior year. He was a Milk Man, and worked at the Lakeview Elevator. Harry was employed for over 35 years by "GE" Hitachi until his retirement in 1991.
Harry married Maxine Hazelton, his loving wife of 62 years, on January 24, 1954 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Lakeview, and had four boys.
Harry was a gifted baseball player. He played for Lakeview Independents from the age of 16 as Pitcher, then slow pitch softball. He also bowled, golfed, enjoyed deer hunting, and woodworking. Harry continued his love for baseball by coaching his son's teams. He was inducted into the Mecosta Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Harry will be missed by his wife Maxine Helms of Lakeview; four sons James (Christine) Helms, Terry (Kathleen) Helms, Lonny Helms, and John (Lisa) Helms all of Lakeview; one sister Jane Eldred of Blanchard; two brother-in-law's Richard Rees, and Arnold Hazelton both of Greenville; sister-in-law Vera Helms of Trufant; eight grandchildren Shawn (Lynn) Helms of Allendale, Brandon (Elizabeth) Helms of Allegan, Ashley (Dan) Leyder of Stanwood, Troy Helms, and Matthew Helms both of Lakeview, Adam Helms of Grand Rapids, Jason Helms of Kansas City, MO, and Jon (Stephanie) Helms of Grand Rapids; six great-grandchildren Harrison, and Charli Helms, Clayton, and Patrick Helms, Cru Leyder, and Jon L. Helms; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Agnes Helms; six sisters and five brothers Martha (Clayton) Raglin, Ernest (Bertha) Helms, Dean (Jean) Helms, Lela (Rea) Culey, Lowell (Francis) Helms, Laura Helms, Max (Betty) Helms, Maxine Helms, Ettabelle (Elmer) Fryover, Lynn Helms, LaVern Eldred, and Joyce Rees.
Funeral Services for Harry will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 at Brigham Funeral Chapel (9977 W. Howard City-Edmore Rd., Lakeview, MI 48850) with Pastor David England officiating. The family will be accepting visitors on Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. All are invited to share memories at a luncheon following the service at New Life United Methodist Church in Six Lakes, Michigan. Burial will be private. Those wishing to contribute in Harry's memory, may make checks payable to his wife Maxine.
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