Thomas R. Helmick

Helmick Thomas R. Helmick passed away Monday, August 1, 2016, with his wife at his side, having lived a full and happy life as a husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Born on July 24, 1947, Tom was the younger son of Kenneth and Tessie Helmick. He was a graduate of Columbus West High School and a veteran of the United States Navy. Tom had been retired from Columbus Distributing Company for 12 years. He was an avid golfer and passionate Cincinnati Reds fan. He tolerated the Cleveland Indians just to humor his wife, although it didn't really matter any day spent watching a baseball game was a good day. He was generous in every possible sense, devoted to and loved by family members near and far, and he counted among his wide circle of friends almost anyone who crossed his path in life. Tom is preceded in death by his mother Tessie and sister-in-law, Linda Helmick. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Larsen Helmick, his son, Andrew, daughter Lea (Jordan) Mederer, and four beloved grandchildren: Dayna Helmick and Lila, Brynn and Zachary Thomas Mederer. He also leaves behind his father, Kenneth Helmick, brother, Roger (Patricia) Helmick, and in-laws Hugh (Judy) Larsen, David (Mary Jane) Larsen, Edith (Joseph) Marotta and John Larsen, his many nieces, nephews and their children, and lifelong friends Richard and Cindie Henry and their children. Tom had been a patient at Ohio State's James Cancer Center where he received extraordinary care by a team of devoted professionals who expressed their support in every possible way. There are so many whose kindness and caring went above and beyond, but the family wishes to especially thank Dr. Amit Agrawal who skillfully and steadfastly saw Tom through the toughest of battles. Friends may gather at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME with Crematory 2693 W. Broad St. Saturday August 13, 2016 2-3 p.m. where a celebration of life service will follow at 3p.m. Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to www.pelotonia.org/jordanmederer