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James Francis Helsel
James Francis "Jim" Helsel passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at his home
in Lawton.
He was born near Worthington, Pa., on March 11, 1928, to Michael and Lenora
(Fink) Helsel.
He graduated from Worthington-West Franklin High School in May 1946 as class
Salutatorian.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1946. In June 1948, he received a
fleet appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. as a midshipman.
He graduated with distinction in June 1952, and was awarded a Bachelor of
Science Degree and commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Lt. Col. Helsel married Sandra Jane Snyder on Jan. 3, 1958, in Lawton.
He served overseas in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, France and Germany. His personal
decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat "V," and the Joint Service
Commendation Medal with Combat "V." He retired from active duty on July 1, 1971.
For the next 21 years he was associated with Southwestern Stationary and Bank
Supply in various capacities, retiring again on June 1, 1992.
He was a member of Cameron Baptist Church for over 46 years and was a longtime
Adult Bible Teacher and deacon.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra of the home; daughter and her husband, Lori
and the Rev. Mike Franklin of Fort Smith, Ark.; a son and his wife, T.J. and
Kerri Woods Helsel of Gulfport, Miss.; a sister, Ann Claypool of Worthington,
Pa.; three grandsons, a granddaughter, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces,
nephews other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Thelma Bofinger of
Kittanning, Pa.
Funeral for James F. "Jim" Helsel, 89, Lawton, will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb.
16, 2018, at Cameron Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Teel, pastor, and T.J.
Helsel officiating.
Entombment will be in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, Sunset Memorial Gardens,
Lawton, Ok.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cameron Baptist Church Building Fund, 2621
SW C Avenue, Lawton 73505.
Arrangements by Arrangements by Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. Lawton, Ok. |
