Kendall Wayne Helms, age 90, of Baker, passed away on Friday, May 5, at his home. He was born on April 9, 1933, to Fate and Ida Helms in Baker, Florida and was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County. Kendall was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked with Civil Service as a ground power operator. After retiring from Civil Service, he became an Instructor with the Bay Area Votech, until retiring again. Kendall enjoyed camping and touring the United States, Canada and Mexico with his family and friends. He continued the family tradition of camping and traveling with his grandchildren. In his spare time, he worked on RV’s and cars for others, as well as enjoying fishing. Kendall was a longtime member of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. He loved gospel music and traveled many miles to hear his favorite gospel groups.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fate and Ida Helms, his sister Jeanette Allman and brother Farron Helms.
Kendall is survived by his wife and best friend of 67 years Aileen K. Helms
a son Ken Helms
a daughter Gena Thrasher and husband Roland
3 grandchildren Brad Thrasher and wife Lona, Kerry Thrasher, Jenni Taylor and husband Ben
5 great grandchildren Brandon, Ansley, Brody, Hadley and Hooper
2 brother in laws J.L. Allman & Les Kish
a sister in law Peggi Helms
1 niece and 3 nephews Anna, Matt, Jake and Johnny and a host of extended family and friends
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM, Wednesday, May 10, from the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Aubrey Jordan Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 9, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
Danny and Debbie Bowden
May 8, 2023, 9:04 pm
We are sorry for your loss. Praying for all of the family.
Steve and Anita (Lindley) Pettola
May 8, 2023, 10:24 pm
Kendall and Aileen were such wonderful friends and camping buddies to my parents, Boyce and Sybil. They were also very special to my husband and me and we enjoyed visiting with them in their motor home as often as we could. Kendall was a special man and we are sorry for his family’s loss, but happy for Heaven’s gain. No more pain and no more sorrow is his now. May God bless you all.
Sybil Lindley
May 8, 2023, 10:31 pm
My husband and I had so many wonderful times with Kendall and Aileen. We enjoyed our camping adventures and all the wonderful singings we went to together. We will love your family always.
Dan Cauley
May 10, 2023, 12:56 am
Very sorry to hear this news. Mr. Helms was part of the generation that made this country great. I will keep his family in my prayers.
Peggy Jackson
May 10, 2023, 3:28 pm
Ken and Gena,
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and the family will be in my prayers. May God’s peace that passes all understanding guard and protect your hearts during this time.
Peggy Mount Jackson
Class of 1976