Colonel Glelma ‘Shorty’ Orvin Helmick, U.S. Army Retired
HELMICK
Glelma “Shorty” Orvin Helmick, devoted husband, father and grandfather, departed this life on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at home surrounded by family in Morgantown, West Virginia.
He was born March 10, 1929, in Pickens, West Virginia, to the late Orvin Clay Helmick and Lillie Goff Helmick.
On Nov. 28, 1954, he married his beloved wife, Louise Wuchner Helmick, in Buckhannon, West Virginia. He was an Army Career Officer for 32 years, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and one tour in Korea. He was a Master Aviator in flying helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He traveled the world and touched the lives of many.
He was blessed with one son, Michael R. Helmick, who resides in Morgantown, West Virginia, with his wife, Linda, their son, Michael A. Helmick, and companion, Marshawna Montgomery, of Morgantown; granddaughter, Mya Helmick and companion, Gage Hathaway, of Blacksville, West Virginia, and PVT Cody Helmick, currently serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Upon Glelma’s last tour of duty, he and his wife Louise enjoyed a second career as realtors with Century 21 in Louisville, Kentucky, whereas he retired after 20 years. While residing in Kentucky, he attended the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, but kept strong ties to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pickens, West Virginia.
Glelma is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his sister, Lorma Swaggerty; and great-great granddaughter, Oakley Dawn Hathaway.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Michael Helmick and wife, Linda; grandson, Michael A. Helmick; and great-grandchildren, Mya Helmick and Cody Helmick; one brother, Dennis Goff Helmick and wife, Hazel; niece, Pam Helmick McGonigle and husband, Kevin; nephew, Garth Helmick, nephew Gary Stone and wife, Patty; two brother-in-laws, Everett Waggoner and wife, Bobbie, David Varner and wife, Dorothy; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Lynch.
A graveside service will be held with Rev. Ed Tetteh as celebrant at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Pickens, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery c/o Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 35 Franklin Street, Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201.
The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Colonel Glelma Orvin “Shorty” Helmick, U.S. Army Retired.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.