Herman Dale Helton, Sr.

Herman Dale Helton, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 25, 2024, in Helton, Kentucky at the age of 84.He was born on December 12, 1940, in Beverly, (Red Bird) Kentucky, to Chester Helton and Mary Caldwell. Herman lived a life filled with love and dedication, leaving behind a rich legacy for his family and community.

Herman had a diverse and meaningful career. He served as a dedicated bus driver and woodworker for the Red Bird Mission, contributing positively to the lives of many. Prior to this, he worked as a Kentucky Forest Ranger, where his outdoor stewardship left an imprint on the natural beauty of Kentucky. In addition to his work, Herman was an active member of his community, known for his kind and outgoing personality.

An education that culminated in a high school diploma gave Herman the foundation upon which he built a life of accomplishments. He took pride in his roles not just as a professional but also as a family man. His proudest accomplishments included being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—titles he cherished deeply.

In his personal time, Herman enjoyed a range of hobbies that brought him joy. Gardening was a particular passion, allowing him to connect with nature. He was fond of four-wheeling adventures and dedicated a significant amount of time to genealogy, exploring his family's history. Conversations with friends were of utmost importance to him, and he especially loved discussing life while caring for his cattle on the family farm. His enthusiasm for being involved in the lives of his family further exemplified the love he had for them.

Herman is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Charlene Caldwell Helton to whom he was united in marriage to on February 2, 1963,  his children, Sonia Morris of Richmond, Kentucky, Chesna Osborne (Rodney) of Helton, Herman Dale Helton II (Jennie) of Helton, and Timothy Darryl Helton (Allie) of Helton; and his siblings, Richard Helton of Corbin, Kentucky, Herthel Helton (Barbara) of Keavy, Kentucky, and Ruby Depew (Joe) of Harlan, Kentucky. One honorary daughter: Melissa Hatter. He held a special place in the hearts of his thirteen treasured grandchildren, Jessica, Katie, Faye, Pheyton, Presley, Kortney, Whitney, Joshua Koby (Who is presently serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. in San Diego, CA), Kayla, Bryce, Triston, Lauren, Carly, and nine great-grandchildren, and one honorary granddaughter, Kara Wilson, to whom he instilled values of kindness and hard work.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Helton; his mother, Mary Caldwell; his brother, Ed Helton; his son-in-law, Jeff Morris; and six infant siblings, who were warmly remembered in their own way.

Herman's legacy will be honored during visitation services scheduled for Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home in Hyden, Kentucky and  a second visitation Monday, December 30 at the Middlefork Methodist Church beginning at 2PM.  The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Middlefork Methodist Church, 137 United Methodist Mission Rd, Helton, KY, with Rev. Steve Wilson, Rev. Larry Stubblefield, Rev. Teddy Brock & Rev. Rodney Osborne officiating.  The interment will  follow the funeral service Tuesday at the Honey Branch Cemetery in Helton, Kentucky. Grandsons, nephews and other family member will serve as pallbearers.

Herman Dale Helton, Sr. will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the lives he touched and the love he shared.