Hobert Henry Helton

Hobert Henry Helton of Hamilton went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 6, 2009. He was born on June 22, 1923 in Sparksville, Indiana to Farmer and Mary (King) Helton, who preceded him in death. Hobert was happily married to Vilma (Huff) Helton for over 50 years and she preceded him in death in July, 2000. He was a loyal employee of Champion International, retiring in 1983 after 41 years as foreman in the calendar room. Hobert proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the destroyer USS Madison, the SS Peter Zenger, and the SS Benjamin Milan. He achieved recognition for his service by earning the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Navy Occupation SVC Medal with Asia Clasp, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the Navy Honorable Discharge Button. Hobert had the distinction of celebrating his 21st birthday twice in one day when his ship crossed the International Date Line. He was inducted into the Order of the Golden Dragon. Hobert was one of the few to travel into the Persian Gulf, the Adriatic Sea, the UK and the Pacific Ocean regions, including domestic ports of call. While serving on the USS Madison, his ship participated in the search and rescue of the sailors sent overboard as a result of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. He was present in Japan on VJ Day and witnessed the signing to the end of the war with Japan. Hobert was a charter member, with his wife Vilma, of the Hamilton Church of God. He dearly loved his church and worked diligently every day to make the building and grounds as beautiful as possible. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, enjoying the attention of his family. Hobert was a member of Benjamin Franklin Lodge #719 F& AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati, and was a Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his sons David (Karen) Helton and Ronald (Nedra) Combs of Colorado; his grandsons David Helton, Jr., Kevin (Marissa) Helton and R.E. (Dawn) Combs of Colorado; great-grandchildren Ayden Helton, Juliana Helton, Bailey Combs, and Gage Combs; his brother Rufus (Mary) Hilton of Hawaii; and his sister, Florence (Nathan) Rowland. He was preceded in death by his sisters Cecil (Robert) Gentry and Oneida (Jessie) Newman; brothers Irvin (Alice) Helton, Harry (Christine) Helton, and Leonard (Mildred) Helton. Hobert enjoyed his many breakfast friends at McDonald’s.

Funeral service will be held at the Hamilton Church of God, 1760 Millville Avenue, on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Alan Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The family would like to thank the efforts of Dr. Sargero and Dr. Mital, the nurses and staff at Ft. Hamilton Hospital, and the nursing staff and Hobert’s special friends at Glen Meadows of Carington Healthcare Systems. They would also like to thank the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home for their services in this time of need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to either the Vilma Helton Children’s Fund or to the Scholarship Fund, both of the Hamilton Church of God.