Donald Milo Helton
October 3, 1937 - January 7, 2024
Donald Milo Helton went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2024. He was born on October 3, 1937 in Goodman, Wisconsin and graduated from Goodman High School in 1955. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army Security Agency: 1 year in training and 2 years at Kagnew Station in Ethiopia. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he received a Bachelor's Degree in economics in 1963 and a Master's Degree in finance in 1965. After graduation, he worked for Marine National Exchange Bank in Milwaukee for 14 years then moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 1979 and worked as Senior Vice President and Manager of the Trust Investment Division of SouthTrust Bank until 1995. He also served as an adjunct professor in the School of Business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After leaving SouthTrust, he was self-employed as an investment consultant, expert witness on trusts and investments, and as an arbitrator for the Security and Exchange Commission. He had a private pilot license, loved Cajun/zydeco dancing, and was a volunteer with Hand in Paw taking his dog, Ryder, to Children's Hospital and the VA Hospital as therapy for the patients. He was a member of the Church at Brook Hills.
He is survived by his daughters Shari Garrison (Lewis), Kari Helton, Tracy Hamlin (Shane), his grandchildren Tracy Orona (Frank), Morgan Tucker (Bret), Matthew and Joseph Casey, Will and Remy Garrison, and his great-grandchildren Olivia, Charlotte, Milo, Max, Liam, and Oliver; and by his sister Dorothy Berg (Al). He was preceded in his passing by his father Milo Charles Helton, mother Maude Elizabeth Mary, brother Thomas, and sister Gwen (Martens).
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church at Brook Hills on January 11, 2024 at 2:00PM with visitation from 1:30-2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children's of Alabama Hospital.
Ronnie Wayne Staff
August 14, 2025
Great boss. Smart man
Donald McElheny
April 6, 2025
I served with Don in the service and saddened to hear that he passed away over a year ago. RIP Don.
Don McElheny
Wende
January 17, 2024
I´m so sorry to hear of Don´s passing. Ryder, Don and I were partners for Hand In Paw at Children´s for several years. I enjoyed our times together. Rest in Peace Don, you´ll not be forgotten!
A Cajun and Ballroom dancing friend.
January 11, 2024
Don was a 1st class gentleman. I know he will be missed by many.
God bless his soul. He is dancing away in heaven now.
Rest in peace Don.
Dawn Lucas
January 11, 2024
I remember Don from the Cajun and zydeco dances we had in Birmingham. He was a very sweet man and an excellent dancer! I really enjoyed dancing and talking with him!
Neighbor
January 11, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with the Helton family in this time of grief. Sorry for your loss. May the peace in God comfort you during this difficult time
Lynne Wilbanks
January 10, 2024
I met Don dancing and he was great fun and a great dancer. We became friends and he helped me with my finances. I told my adult children I will never be penniless in their basement because of Don. Don was a kind gentleman who lived a life of love and service. RIP sweet man.
Paul Woodall
January 9, 2024
I have known Don since he moved to Birmingham many years ago. I was an attorney doing estate practice work when he was in the Trust Department of SouthTrust Bank. I have always appreciated his intelligence and friendship. We regularly had lunch together for many years after our respective retirements. Most importantly to me, during the last number of years, Don's conversations guided me toward Biblical studies and theological questions. Thanks to Don, I became involved in numerous classes to learn more deeply about the Bible and its lessons and guidance for my Christian life. I hope to see Don again in Heaven someday.
Beverly Brice LeBoeuf
January 9, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was a great Cajun & Zydeco dancer, always a gentleman, and a fun dinner companion. May his memory be eternal.
Janet Ely
January 8, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I knew him through dancing and he was fun to dance with or just to watch. He was always kind and a total class act.
Jim Layton
January 8, 2024
Don was one of the nicer people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I did not know of his education background but I think he was most proud of his military service and taking his dog to Children's Hospital. I was honored that he accepted me as a friend. Rest in peace my friend.
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