Roger Lee Helton

Roger Lee Helton, 73, Roann, passed away on April 7, 2021, at his home. One of twelve children, Roger was born in Claypool, April 21, 1947, to the late Bennie and Pauline “Poppi” (Flannery) Helton.

In 1966 Roger enlisted in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1968. His love for his county ran deep, and he always supported other veterans. Roger was a longtime member of the American Legion Sunset Post 402 in Laketon. Being a member was always something of which Roger was proud and honored. After returning home, Roger worked for Bay State Abrasive in North Manchester, for nineteen years and eight months, before they moved the factory elsewhere. He then started working at Dexter Axle, North Manchester. In 2007 Roger retired and enjoyed his life at home. On April 12,1999 Roger married Sheri (Shea) Chalk. The two would have celebrated their twenty-second wedding anniversary in a few days.

A green thumb by heart, Roger loved his time in the garden, planting and tending to his many flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Roger was a man who didn’t like to stay inside, and he often found any excuse he could to go outside to work. He also enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler around the property and growing pumpkins and gourds for the grandkids.

Roger was a man who never liked to be serious. He was always joking and making people laugh. His biggest quality, however, was his generous heart. Roger did anything he could to help the people around him. On many occasions people’s vehicles broke down in front of his home, and Roger went out and helped them, many times driving them to different places in order to fix their vehicle. Roger also spent time at the Laketon Wesleyan Church, where he attended, helping however he could.

The loving memories of Roger Lee Helton will be forever cherished by his wife, Sheri Helton, Roann; sons, Stacy (Angie) Helton, Columbia City; Matthew (Natasha) Helton, Wabash; Caleb (Natasha) Chalk, Roann; and Noah Chalk, Laketon; daughter, Brandy (Tyler) Rash, Fort Wayne; brother, Troy Helton, Walkerton; sisters, Sue Smith, Warsaw; Alice Faye (Lynn) Reichert, Kirksey, Ky.; and Ethel Woodling, Warsaw; and six grandchildren.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Pauline Helton; brothers, Edgar, Grady, Morris, and Everett Helton; and sisters, Dorothy Bishop, Ruth Johnson, and Ada Helton.

Family and friends may call from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. Pastor Dave Cox will officiate. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, South Graceland Ave., Claypool.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honor the memory of Roger Lee Helton, memorial contributions may be made to The Pat Dyer Memorial Fund, 6041 Stellhorn Road, Box 15282, Fort Wayne, IN 46885.
The family of Roger Lee Helton has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.