Thomas A. Helton

Thomas A. "Bud" Helton, 55, of Ballwin, Mo., passed away peacefully on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at Gardenview Care Center surrounded by his children after a battle with hemochromotosis. He was born April 20, 1960, in St. Louis, Mo. He was the son of Sam Helton and the late Ruthann "Sandy" Helton. He is predeceased by his brother and best friend, Keith Helton. Bud attended McCluer High School in Florissant, Mo. and served briefly in the U.S. Air Force. He attended St. Louis Community College and worked in the IT industry for many years. He married Diane Wolken Helton on September 10, 1988, at Corpus Christi Parish in Jennings, Mo. They were later divorced in 2004. His most recent job was as a Field Technician for National Cine Media. In his spare time, he enjoyed building computers, playing video games, eating junk food and watching TV (especially sci-fi and zombie shows). His kids fondly refer to Wednesday as "Chinese Food Night" and Friday as "Faraci's and sci-fi Night". Bud is survived by his two children, Elizabeth and Alexander of Ballwin; his ex-wife, Diane Helton of Ballwin; two remaining brothers, Frank and Sam of O'Fallon, Mo.; his aunt, Denise Sellers of Joplin; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Wolken Bishop of Centertown, Mo.; his two brothers-in-law, Charles (Karen) Wolken of Leavenworth, Kan. and Gene (Maria) Wolken of Raytown, Mo.; nieces, nephews and many cousins. He is also survived by his pet cockatiel, Roger as well as dogs, Sophie and Theo. Buds family is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 20, 2016, from 2-6 p.m. at the Schrader Family Center to celebrate his life. Feel free to bring food, spirit, smiles and stories in his remembrance. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Wild Bird Sanctuary or Friends of the St. Louis University Liver Center.