Dale Edward "Pap" Helms

Dale Edward (Pap) Helms, 70, of Westport, passed away at 5:04 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. He was born on April 16, 1955, in New Castle, Indiana, the son of James Robert and Mary Grace (Koger) Helms. He was raised in Westport and graduated from South Decatur High School in 1973. He retired from KB Specialty Foods in 2015, after working in maintenance for 39 years. Dale enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing and watching his grandchildren participate in various sports. Dale married Sherry Lynn Hensley on April 9, 1977, in Greensburg and she survives. Other survivors include his son, Joshua Michael (Lynn) Helms of Fishers; his daughter, Brandi Lynn (Brad) Rigby of Westport; his six grandchildren, Kenedi Shaine, Claire Marie and Chase Michael Helms, Olivia Ernestine, Lily Grace and Nash Henry Rigby; his sister, Jami (Jenny) Helms of Westport; his brothers, David (Sharon) Helms and Daniel (Marilyn) Helms both of Westport; Dennis Helms of Indianapolis and Jace (Carol) Helms of Westport. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger Grant Helms. A Celebration of Dale's Life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department through the funeral home.