Richard E. Helmick, 74, long-time resident of Parsons, West Virginia passed away peacefully on October 8, 2018 at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was born April 24, 1944 in Thomas, West Virginia a son of the late Herbert L. and Olive Bodkin Helmick. His paternal grandparents were Walter and Mary Helmick and maternal grandparents were Samuel and Flora Bodkin. Also preceding him in death was his wife, Dorthea Cassidy Helmick in 2008.
Richard was a graduate of Thomas High School in 1960. He was a veteran of Foreign Wars who served is the US Army during Vietnam War. He was a supervisor a the Shoe Factory in Parsons, West Virginia and also worked as a guard at Huttonsville Prison, West Virginia. He and his late wife, Dorthea, enjoyed many years of their marriage together and loved going in the woods to look for ginseng. Richard is survived by two sisters, Mary Ellen Cousin of Bedford, PA and Clara Dougherty of Cumberland, MD, one brother, Donald L. Helmick and wife Patricia of Hyndman, PA.
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at the hospitals where he spent many days; as well as all that were so kind to him at Cortland Acres. Richard was a very kind and gentle person. He always had a generous, giving heart. He never met a stranger and he always found humor in every situation.
At Mr. Helmick’s request, he will be cremated. Friends will be received at Hinkle Funeral Home, Saturday, October 20, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., the funeral hour with Rev. James Snyder officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Parsons City Cemetery. Hinkle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.hinklefuneralhome.com
