James F. “Jim” Helsel

March 16, 2018 Last Updated: March 16, 2018 11:00 AM Death Notice

James F. “Jim” Helsel, 89, of Lawton, Okla., passed away Feb. 7 at his home in Lawton.

He was born near Worthington, Pa., March 11, 1928, to Mike and Lenora Helsel.

He graduated from Worthington-West Franklin High School in May of 1946 as class salutatorian.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1946. In June 1948, he received a fleet appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. as a Midshipman. He graduated with distinction in June 1952 and was awarded a bachelor of science degree and commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Lt. Col. Helsel married Sandra Jane Snyder Jan. 3, 1958, in Lawton. He served overseas in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, France and Germany. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” He retired from active duty July 1, 1971.

For the next 21 years, he was associated with Southwestern Stationary and Bank Supply in various capacities, retiring again June 1, 1992.

He was a member of Cameron Baptist Church for more than 46 years and was a longtime adult Bible teacher and deacon.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra, of the home; his daughter, Lori, and her husband, the Rev. Mike Franklin, of Fort Smith, Ark.; a son, T.J. and his wife, Kerri Woods Helsel, of Gulfport, Miss.; a sister, Ann Claypool of Worthington, Pa.; three grandsons, a granddaughter, one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Thelma Bofinger of Kittanning.

HELSEL — Funeral service for James F. “Jim” Helsel, who died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Cameron Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Teel, Pastor, and T.J. Helsel officiating.Entombment will be in Chapel of Peace Mausoleum, Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home, 1502 NW Fort Sill Blvd., Lawton, Okla.Memorial contributions may be made to Cameron Baptist Church Building Fund, 2621 SW C Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73505.An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com.