Eugene L. Helton, Sr.

Eugene L. Helton, Sr., 80, of Sullivan, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri.

Eugene also known as Gene or Red was born on May 23, 1937 to Mitchell C. and Eva (Byrd) Helton in New Haven, Missouri. He attended and graduated from Sullivan High School and served his country in the United States Reserves. On May 19, 1956 Gene was united in marriage to Carole Tourville at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan. Gene and Carole had recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Gene was employed as a truck mechanic for St. Louis Brake, Sears and Eilerman Transfer. He enjoyed hunting, trout fishing and traveling with Carole. He loved to hang out with his family and especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was a long time and faithful member of Temple Baptist Church.

He is survived by wife, Carole S. (Tourville) Helton; two sons, Gene Helton, Jr. and wife Shelly of St. Louis, MO; Keith Helton and wife Patty of Mt. Vernon, MO; one daughter, Kim Helton and friend Jerry McFarland of Brandon, FL; one sister, Judy Harmon and husband Ferd of Sullivan, MO; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell C. and Eva (Byrd) Helton; three brothers, Mitchell Helton, Jr., Robert Helton and James Helton; two sisters, Verna Fruewirth and Janet Reed.

Funeral services were conducted at 12 p.m., Monday, July 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Scott Perry officiating. Interment followed at I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, July 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri.

Memorial contributions to the Temple Baptist Church building fund are appreciated.

Friends may send condolences to the Helton family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.