Gilbert Harold Helton

Gilbert “Harold” Helton of Ironton, Missouri passed away on March 29, 2026, in Pilot Knob, Missouri at the age of 97 years. He was born November 4, 1928, in Vienna, Missouri, the son of the late Vernon and Ethel (Martin) Helton. He was also preceded by his stepmother, Dorothy (Green) Helton who raised him.

Harold was a Mason and a member of the Star of the West Lodge in Ironton, Missouri and the Moolah Shrine Temple in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also a long-time member of the Arcadia Valley Global Methodist Church. He worked as a repairman and installer for the local telephone company for thirty plus years until his retirement in 1986. After his retirement he stayed busy and “worked all the time”. He trimmed trees, helped elderly people, and in the summer had a watermelon trailer set up at Butch’s gas station. It was always a pleasure to visit with him when he was selling watermelons. In his free time, he loved to hunt and especially enjoyed fishing. Harold also enjoyed playing the guitar and he loved to dance.

On May 1, 1952, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ruth Lowerey who preceded him in death on January 6, 1996, after forty-three years of marriage. To this union three children were born: Cathy Price and her husband, Lester of Middlebrook, Missouri, Ira “Bud” Helton of Arcadia, Missouri and Chuck Helton and wife, Wendy of Belleview, Missouri.

Harold leaves behind five grandchildren: Tim Whited (Kiley), Toby Whited (Ashley), Abby Robbs (Chris), Patience King and Addison Helton and six great grandchildren: Tristen, Briley, Colin, Kadence, Theo, and Miley. He is also survived by his brother; Sonny Helton (Robin) of Vienna, Missouri and two sisters; Leona Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, and Joyce Sallin (Ron) of Murray, Kentucky as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Harold was preceded in death by five brothers: Wayne Helton, Warren Helton, Arthur Helton, Arlen Helton, and Roger Helton, and three sisters: Louise Vemmer, Lola Delashamit, and Lorraine O’Harver.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes-Bryson Chapel from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM with Pastor Mike Minghi officiating. Interment will follow at Arcadia Valley Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes-Bryson Chapel in Pilot Knob, Missouri. Memorial may be made in Harold’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude’s.