Gerald Strawder Helsel, 89, of Washington Court House, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family at his side on Saturday, March 13, 2021.
He was born May 2, 1931, in Wayne Township in Fayette County, Ohio to James and Ora (Roberts) Helsel. He was reared in New Holland and worked on the farm until he graduated from New Holland High School in 1949.
Gerald served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955 and was aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) during the Korean War. Following his service in the US Navy, he went to work at DuPont in Circleville for 34 years where he was affectionately known by his friends and co-workers as “Jerry”.
He was a lifetime devoted Christian man who was a member of the Route 38 church of Christ and had previously been a deacon at the Circleville church of Christ.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald (Mary) Helsel, Walter (Faye) Helsel and James Helsel and sisters, Clara (George) Posey and Sara (Bob) Bennett.
He is survived by his loving bride of 61 years, the former Patricia Ann Henry; daughters, Debra Bush and Amber (Andy) Reboulet; sons, Stephen (Judy) Helsel and Preston Helsel; grandchildren, Cody Moore, William, Noah, Gabriel, Phillip, Kendra, Cora, and Kamille Helsel; seven great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Delores “Dee” Helsel and many nieces and nephews.
Gerald was known to most family members as well as friends of the grandchildren as “Pappy” and always made his grandchildren smile and was known to chase them around the house with a fake nose and stick out his teeth just to have fun with them. He also loved going for walks around Leslie Trace subdivision.
There will be a brief family-only visitation from 11 am until noon on Friday, March 19, 2021, at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, 554 Washington Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio. Following the visitation, there will be a graveside service at Highlawn Cemetery, 3260 US Route 22-NW, Washington Court House, with Minister Roger Massey from the Pataskala church of Christ officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Route 38 church of Christ, 1550 State Route 38-NE, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
