Ivan Helton

Ivan Henry Helton, 74, resident of Deming passed away Wednesday January 27, 2016 at his home with his loving family at his side.
Visitation will be this Tuesday evening February 2, 2016 from 6 to 8 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Ivan was born January 6, 1942 in Whiskey Creek, New Mexico to William and Hazel (Heath) Helton. He graduated from Cobre High School and shortly thereafter in 1961 he entered the United States Army. He served in Vietnam in 1967-1968. He also served three tours of duty in Germany and was stationed in the US as an Army Recruiter. First Sergeant Ivan Henry Helton retired from the Army in 1982. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Geology and his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Western New Mexico University in Silver City. After graduation he was employed by Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation and lived in Playas until the shut down in 1999. During his time in Playas he was a volunteer with the New Mexico Mounted Patrol. After moving to Deming he was employed by Border Foods until his retirement. He was the owner of Trail Arms Gunsmith and was a Hunter's Safety instructor.
He is survived by his wife, Glennis Gay Helton of Deming; son Bryan Helton of Dalzell, South Carolina; daughters, Cheryl O'Neill of Albuquerque and Tanya Horn of Deming; brothers, Richard (Nancy) and Charlie (Angie) Helton; sisters, Dianna (Richard) Reece, Peggy (Charles) Drake, and Rebecca (Weldon) Teague; and 5grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Bryan Helton, Chad Parker, Brad Goodwin, Tyler Horn, Richard Helton and James Schaeffer.
Ivan was proud to be an American and proud to serve his country. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior's Project or to the charity of your choice.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Exclusive provider for ""Veterans & Family Memorial Care"". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.
811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 575.546.9671