Smith Helton

Smith Helton, 95, Lake Villa, Illinois, formerly of Sidney, Indiana, joined his wife in heaven on November 14, 2021. He passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Center in Round Lake Beach, Illinois. The son of David and Hulda (Jackson) Helton, Smith was born on February 19, 1926 in Paintsville, Kentucky.

On April 18, 1946, Smith married the love of his life, Fanny F. Whitaker. Together they welcomed the birth of their two children, Smith Ray and Velia. They were married for almost 70 years before Fanny passed away in February 25, 2016. The loss of his wife affected him deeply and life was never quite the same.

Smith was employed at Whitley Products for many years before retiring in 1990 from GripCo in South Whitley, Indiana. He was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as spending plenty of time enjoying the quiet of his front porch with his wife. Smith was also known for his quick wit and great memory. As a founding member of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County, Smith led a humble and spiritual life.

The loving memory of Smith Helton will be forever cherished by his son, Smith Ray (Teresa) Helton, Lake Villa, Illinois; sisters, Magadlene “Maggie” Good, Silver Lake and Irene Fairchild, Toledo, Ohio; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Fanny (Whitaker) Helton; daughter, Velia Francis; parents, David Helton and Hulda (Jackson) Helton; five brothers and six sisters.

Family and friends may call Saturday, November 20, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling on November 20, 2021. Pastor Terry Bradford will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Smith Helton, memorials may be made to Camp Nash c/o First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 43, Claypool, Indiana 46510.

The family of Smith Helton has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.