Obituary of Rex Helms

Honorable Rex G. Helms, age 76, longtime mayor and civic leader of Idabel went to be with the Lord on July 29, 2009 at his home. He was born on November 9, 1932 in Allens Chapel, Texas, the son of William and Lillian Marina Loschke Helms. He married Mary Helen Burton in Yuma, Arizona on December 28, 1954. Rex served as Mayor of Idabel from 1975 to 1990, during which time he helped bring many improvements and new industries to our city. Before being elected mayor he served as a city councilman and vice-mayor for four years. He was an insurance claims adjustor for seventeen years, and also later served as a bail bondsman, and rancher for five years before retiring. He was very active in his community serving as President of KEDDO for two terms. He was a member of the Jaycees and the Idabel Kiwanis Club and was a former President of both. Rex was also a former President of the Oklahoma Municipal League, a member of the OK Claimsmen Assn., and the OK Bondsmen Assn. He was also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and an avid supporter of the Haworth Chapter of the Future Farmers of America. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Idabel where he was a Deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and served on several committees. Rex was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving as Air Police in combat during the Korean Conflict. For his service in Korea he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He continued to serve as a Police Officer for the Paris Texas Police Department. He was preceded in death by his parents. Rex is survived by his wife, Mary Helen of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Colonel Randy and Donna Helms of Manassas, VA; daughters and sons-in-law, Tina and Jay Lundry of Haworth, and Rexann and John Damato of Manassas, VA; grandchildren, Jason Wayne Lundry, Randi Leigh Helms, Michael Rex Helms, Jerrod Steven Lundry, Cristen Mae Helms, Jacob Heath Lundry, Hope Marina Damato, Grace Caroline Damato, Olivia Ann Damato; great-grandchildren, Haylee Jo, Jace Brian and Luke Jay Lundry; a brother, Ralph Helms of Garland, TX; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Baptist children's Homes C/O First Baptist Church P.O. Box 357 Idabel, OK 74745 or Idabel Kiwanis Scholaship Fund C/O Conley-White Funeral Home P.O. Box 448 Idabel, OK 74745