Walter D. Helmick

WALTER D. HELMICK, 81, of Minnehaha Springs, West Virginia, passed away on September 6, 2025, surrounded by his family after battling cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all. Walt was preceded in death by his parents - Dock and Cleo Blevins Helmick - his beloved daughter, Shelley Renee Helmick - sisters, Loretta Helmick Judy, Pauline Helmick Eary, Imogene Helmick Brenwalt, and Elinor Helmick Hudnall - and brothers, Bill Helmick, Lowell Payne, and Mick Payne. Among those surviving Walt is his wife, Rita Hedrick-Helmick, who was his devoted caregiver during this difficult struggle. He also is survived by his sons, Samuel J. Helmick (Jeanne Helmick), Timothy W. Helmick (Terri Helmick), Brian C. Helmick (Colleen Helmick) - his sisters, Shirley Helmick Delaney and Patricia Helmick Hamrick - and brothers, Robert Helmick and Ellsworth "Sonny" Helmick. Walt also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Mackenzie Helmick, Madison Helmick, Bryce Helmick, Isaac Helmick (Katie Helmick), Nick Helmick, Sarah Helmick, Abbi Helmick Wolak (Jaryd Wolak), Margaret Helmick (Bailey Johnson), Dock Helmick, Betsy Helmick, and Colin Helmick, and two great grandchildren, Helen Wolak and Louie Johnson, with another due in November. In addition, Walt is survived by his close and special sister-in-law, Lisa Hedrick, and her husband, Rick Miller. We express our appreciation to Diondra North for her care and devotion to Allegheny Lodge. Walt's life wasn't without hard times, most significantly the loss of his daughter, Shelley, in 1986. Walt was born at #4 mine on Leatherwood Creek, located above Bergoo in Webster County on April 25, 1944. He graduated from Webster Springs High School in 1963 and attended the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology and Lincoln Welding Tech, as well as Mendenhall Auctioneering School. Walt earned certification in economic development from the University of Oklahoma and a degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology as a nontraditional student. He worked as a coal miner, welder, teacher, business owner, and economic development coordinator. First elected in 1976, Walt held public office for 49 continuous years, beginning with the Pocahontas County Board of Education, followed by the Pocahontas County Commission, the West Virginia House of Delegates, and the West Virginia Senate where he rose to the rank of Finance Chair. He then was elected statewide to the position of West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture. Walt finished his political career with one last six-year term serving as President of the Pocahontas County Commission. For Walt, public service was a calling, not a career; he dedicated his life to the betterment of his beloved state and its people. Walt was a member of the Marlinton Presbyterian Church and a member of the Addison Masonic Lodge in Webster County before he transferred to Huntersville Masonic Lodge in Pocahontas County, where he served twice as past master. He was a member of the lodge for more than 59 years. He was also a member of the Valley of the Charleston Scottish Rite where he received the 33rd Degree in 2011. He was an Osiris Shriner. Walt loved sports, especially baseball. He loved and cared for wild animals at his home. His adopted dog, Cocoa, and cat, Lodge, who lived to be 22 years old, were his special friends. Lodge loved receiving at least 100 back pats a day. Walt's life was marked by unwavering dedication to his family and the people of West Virginia. Always with a story to entertain, Walt will be sorely missed, and we are all better off having had him as a part of our world. A public visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, October 3, from 4 to 8:00 p.m. at the West Virginia Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, in Charleston. A memorial service to honor Walt's life will be held on Saturday, October 4, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston. The family requests those who wish to honor Walt's life to please donate to your favorite charity.