F. Earl Helfers

Helfers, F. Earl, age 95, of Kettering, passed away Firday, April 29. He was a graduate of Blackburn College and the University of Illinois and earned his BS, MA and did advanced work. Earl was a WWII veteran serving in the US Navy, based in Hawaii. Prior to the war he worked as a geographer for the Pentagon. Earl lived in Illinois for many years where he had a long career in education; he taught kindergarten through college, was a principal and served as county superintendent. He was one of the first educators to initiate the Head Start program, and was active in the Decatur Education Association. Earl retired from Decatur Illinois schools in 1971. While living in Illinois, he was a member of the Lions Club, Masons, and the Presbyterian Church (elder). After retirement, Earl moved to Port Charlotte, FL, where he helped start a preschool program (Small World) at his church, was active in the University of Illinois Alumni Club (President and Treasurer), Great Decisions, the University Club, the Presbyterian Church and various other groups. He delivered Meals on Wheels until about 1990. Earl spent his summers in Colorado where he purchased a home in Rocky Mountain National Park in the early 1960’s after he had worked at Cheley Camp. Earl first went to the area in 1937 and came again on his honeymoon in 1941. He was active in the Summer Residents Association, and the High Drive Property Owners’ Association. Until about two years ago, he was co-leader of a hiking group with the Summer Residents Association. Earl moved to Ohio in Sept. 2004 after his apartment in Florida was hit by Hurricane Charley. He lived with his daughter, Sharon Lee Harmer in Centerville. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, John George Helfers and Maude Arnold; brothers William Harold and Lloyd Lamar; sisters Bertha Margaret, Opal May, Dorothy Kathryn, Everlyn Merle and Thelma Eileen; and his wife Beulah Valera Daniels. He is survived by his brother John Melvin; daughter Sharon Lee Harmer; grandchildren Michael Eric and Katherine Michelle Harmer; and great-grandchildren Amber, Kelsie and Tessa Harmer. A memorial service will be held in Florida on Thursday, May 19th at First Presbyterian Church, 2230 Hariet St., Port Charlotte, FL at 1:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45429 or Estes Park Library Foundation, 335 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517. Condolences and/or flowers may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.routsong.com.