Walter D. Helmick

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to all.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Cleo Blevins Helmick; his beloved daughter, Shelley Renee Helmick; sisters, Loretta Helmick Judy, Pauline Helmick Eary, Imogene Helmick Brenwalt and Elinor Helmick Hudnall; and brothers, Bill Helmick, Lowell Payne and Mick Payne.

Surviving Walt are his wife, Rita Hedrick-Helmick, who was his devoted caregiver during this difficult struggle.

He is survived by his sons, Samuel J. Helmick (Jeanne Helmick), Timothy W. Helmick (Terri Helmick) and Brian C. Helmick (Colleen Helmick); his sisters, Shirley Helmick Delaney and Patricia Helmick Hamrick; and brothers, Robert Helmick and Ellsworth “Sonny” Helmick.

Walt also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Mackenzie Helmick, Madison Helmick, Bryce Helmick, Isaac Helmick (Katie Helmick), Nick Helmick, Sarah Helmick, Abbi Helmick Wolak (Jared Wolak), Margaret Helmick (Bailey Johnson), Dock Helmick, Betsy Helmick and Colin Helmick; and two great-grandchildren, Helen Wolak and Louis Johnson, with another due in November.

Walt is survived by his close and special sister-in-law, Lisa Hedrick and her husband, Rick Miller.

We express our appreciation to Diondra North for her care and devotion to Allegheny Lodge.

Walt’s life wasn’t without hard times, most significantly the loss of his daughter, Shelley, in 1986.

Walt was born at #4 mine on Leatherwood Creek, located above Bergoo in Webster County on April 25, 1944; graduated from Webster Springs High School in 1963; attended the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology and Lincoln Welding Tech; Mendenhall Auctioneering School. Walt earned certification in economic development from the University of Oklahoma and a degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology as a nontraditional student. He worked as a coal miner, welder, teacher, business owner, and economic development coordinator.

First elected in 1976, Walt held public office for 49 continuous years, beginning with the Pocahontas County Board of Education, the Pocahontas County Commission, the West Virginia House of Delegates, the West Virginia Senate where he rose to the rank of Finance Chair. He was elected statewide to the position of West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture. Walt finished his political career with one last 6-year term serving as President of the Pocahontas County Commission. For Walt, public service was a calling, not a career; he dedicated his life to the betterment of his beloved State and its people.

Walt was a member of the Marlinton Presbyterian Church, member of the Addison Masonic Lodge in Webster County before he transferred to Huntersville Masonic Lodge in Pocahontas County where he served twice as past master. He was a member of the Lodge for more than 59 years. He was also a member of the Valley of the Charleston Scottish Rite, where he received the 33rd Degree in 2011. He was an Osiris Shriner.

Walt loved sports, especially baseball. He loved and cared for wild animals at his home. His adopted dog, Cocoa, and cat, Lodge, who lived to be 22 years old, were his special friends. Lodge loved receiving at least 100 back pats a day.

Walt’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his family and the people of West Virginia. Always with a story to entertain, Walt will be sorely missed, and we are all better off having had him as a part of our world.

Friends and loved ones are invited to share in a time of visitation to honor Walt’s life in fellowship at the Marlinton Opera house, 818 Third Avenue, Marlinton, West Virginia, on Sept. 21, 2025, at 1 p.m.

A memorial service will be held to honor Walt’s life at a later date in Charleston, West Virginia. Details will be shared when arrangements are complete.

The family requests those who wish to honor Walt’s life, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Marlinton.