Elmer “Gene” Helton, 87, of Old Hickory, Tennessee died March 13, 2017. Gene was the loving husband of Betty Ann Belew Helton. He is survived by his wife Sara Ladd Helton and his seven children; Regina Rucker, Gerald Helton, Faye Hazelbaker, Donald Helton, Paul Helton, David Helton, and Bobby Helton. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; and 3 step great grandchildren. Gene spent over 20 years in the Air Force with tours in Turkey, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam retiring in 1967. After the military, Gene attended David Lipscomb College receiving his undergraduate degree and George Peabody College for a Master’s degree. Gene taught middle school in Nashville public schools for over 20 years. Gene loved his family and his Lord. Gene was a member of the Old Hickory Church of Christ. Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty Belew Helton. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held at 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 18, at Loretto Memorial Chapel in Loretto, Tennessee, viewing beginning at 11 a.m. Mr. Helton’s children will be conducting the service. Burial will follow in Leoma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memorial to the Betty Ann Belew Helton Social Work Scholarship at Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee.
