Dean Helton, 90, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Dean was born June 21, 1934 in Lebanon, VA to James and Rosa (Mitchell) Helton. He came into life with his twin sister, Jean, who preceded him in death. Dean was married to his devoted wife Sandra (Ludewig) Helton on October 24, 1998.
After moving to Polo, he worked as a model maker at Central Quality Industries; a machinist at Hujo Tool & Die and Imeco before retiring from the tool room at Wahl Clipper. He truly never met a stranger. He would start a conversation and be friends by the time a person left. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or make as a machinist or carpenter. He was very gifted in being able to see a project finished before he even designed it. He was very proud of presents he made for friends and family. In his younger years he touched many lives as a scout master and part time police officer and then over the years as a mentor to many and a special friend to countless others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jean Bain, Virginia Helton, Ethel Rasnake, Mary Kate Roberts, Ruby Tignor, and Eva Mitchell; brothers Garland Helton and Wayne Helton, son Ronald Helton and grandson William Helton.
He is survived by his wife Sandy, sisters Edna Ferguson, Lebanon, VA and Betty Bales, Bristol, TN; his sons the Rev. Frank (Teresa) Helton, Ellettsville, IN, Phillip Helton of Bristol, VA daughter Sandy Hayes of Bristol, TN, step children Laurie (Jeff) Burke, Oregon, IL, Michael Ludewig, Virginia Beach, VA and Melissa (Matt) Lance, Dixon IL. Also, grandchildren Justin (Lisa)Helton, Jeremy (Julie) Helton, Hannah (Ben) Ollen, Holly Harper, Seth (Alexis) Helton, Samuel (Zoie) Helton, Anthony Parks (Jessica Lane), David Helton. Shannon (Stacey) Amos, Tabitha (Erik) Norris, step-grandchildren Travis (Jozi) Burke, Tyler (Abby) Burke, and Kortney Graham, 15 great-grandchildren, Kiana, Asher, Angel, Izzabella, Gabriella, Angelo, Ava, Cherish, Nona, Lafoy, Winter, Whisper and Willow; step-great grandchildren David and Hayden; great-great grandchildren A’kian and A’keem several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. He will be missed by so many.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Polo Family Funeral Home 110 E. Dixon St. Polo. Services will be following at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with burial at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
