Arlen Helton, of Sullivan, MO, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015 at the age of 90 years.
Arlen was born on October 27, 1924 at Vienna, MO to Vernon Albert and Ethyl L. (Martin) Helton and lived his early life there. He honorably served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Staff Sargent. He served in Company K with the 359th Infantry and one of the brave who landed on the beaches of Normandy and fought in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe and Northern France. Arlen was decorated with five Bronze Stars, two Purple Heart Medals with one Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds received in action in France, and ribbons for the European African Middle Eastern Theatre campaign and three overseas bars.
After his discharge, Arlen came back to the Vienna area and on July 13, 1946 married his childhood sweetheart, Mae Crider. He was employed for a time with the former CARMO Shoe Factory in Union, MO and later at the Ford Plant in St. Louis. He is mostly known for his employment with Fidelity Communications as a lineman. He retired from there on May 1, 1986. Arlen enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially fishing with his brother Arthur. He loved dancing and playing the guitar with his brothers and was very proud of his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlen was a life-time member of the Russell Schmidt V.F.W. Post 3987.
He is survived by his children; Rick Helton and wife Karen of Bourbon, MO; Shelby Dunn and husband Darryl of Sullivan, Tammy Corbett and husband Jim of South Padre Island, TX, Pamela Helton of Sullivan, Shelly Jones of Branson, MO; and a grandson, Jared Helton whom he loved as his own; brothers and sisters, Arthur Helton of Vienna, MO, Harold Helton of Ironton, MO, Warren Helton, Wayne Helton, Roger Helton, Sonny Helton, Leona Williams all of Vienna, MO, and Joyce Sallins of Murray, KY; eight grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Along with wife and parents, Arlen was preceded in death by a son, Gary Arlen Helton; sisters, Louise Vemmer, Lola DeLashmit, Lorene O’Haver and infant twin brother and sister, Ruth and William Helton; his step-mother-in-law, Dorothy Green Helton; and sons-in-law, Gary Thomeczek and Brian Senters.
Funeral services were conducted 10 a.m., Fri., Feb. 6, 2015 from the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with interment in Lambeth Memorial Cemetery, Vienna, MO. Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan from 4:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2015.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Lambeth Memorial Cemetery, Mercy Hospice or the Sullivan Meals on Wheels program.
Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.