Billy Dean Helvey

Billy Dean Helvey, 75, of Eldon, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017 at Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles, after a long heroic battle with Parkinson's. Billy was born in Centerville, Missouri on December 11, 1941, to parents Paul and Lois Helvey. Billy attended all 12 years at the Centerville School where he played and excelled in basketball. Billy was married August 20, 1970 to Darla Cheek at First Baptist Church, Centerville, Missouri. Billy received his BA at Southeast Missouri State, Cape Girardeau, and his Master's Degree in Secondary School Administration at University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1970. Billy taught and coached high school basketball at Prairie Home, New Franklin, Dixon, School of the Osage, and was Principal and Coach at Tuscumbia. After 15 years in the school system, Billy went to work for the USPS as a rural mail carrier for 29 years and then ran a contract route for nine years until he became too ill to carry any longer. Billy loved reading and discussing the Bible, being with his family and working on their farm. In 1979 Billy surrendered to the ministry and was a bi-vocational minister going and serving where needed. Billy was very proud that he had the honor of marrying all three of his children and baptizing Jason's wife Jennifer, and his granddaughter Kelsey. Billy also served as a Deacon at Flatwood Baptist Church. Surviving Billy are his mother, Lois Helvey of Eldon; a sister, Sue Neimeyer of Columbia; his wife of 46 years, Darla of Eldon; a son, Jason and Jennifer Helvey, Bella Vista, Arkansas; a daughter, Jennifer and Greg Caine, Columbia, Missouri and Jeremiah and Randi Helvey, West Salem, Wisconsin. He leaves seven grandchildren: Kelsey, Kodi and JR of Columbia, Cooper of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Elijah, Connor and Lilli of West Salem, Wisconsin; a niece, Melody and Gary Cain; and two great-nieces, Claire and Chloe of Columbia. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Helvey; and twin grandsons, Alexander and Benjamin. Visitation for Bill Helvey will be at Phillips Funeral Home Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services for Bill Helvey will be held at Flatwood Baptist Church on February 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Earl Wood officiating. Burial will be in the Eldon Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Flatwood Baptist Church.