Charles Emerson Helt

Charles Emerson Helt, "Charlie" age 93, went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2023, at McAllen Medical Center. Charles was born February 23, 1929, in Scipio, Indiana to Ralph and Mildred Helt; he was one of six children. When Charles was 4 or 5 years of age, the family moved to Rochester, Indiana, where his father soon bought a farm. In his elementary school years Charles and many of his future classmates attended the one-room schoolhouse in Burton Township. From there he attended the public schools of Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in 1947. Charles attended Purdue University until joining the Navy during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he was stationed in Cuba (before Fidel Castro) and he thought it was a tropical paradise. After the Navy, he returned to Purdue to finish his degree in agriculture. Upon receiving his degree, he returned to the family farm to work with his dad. His first marriage to Patricia Carr in 1955 resulted in the births of three wonderful children: Molly Elizabeth Helt (Butler) (Jim) of Ohio, Scott Emerson Helt (Karen) of Indiana, and Samuel Edward Helt (Eva) of California. After farming for many years, the farm was sold after his father Ralph, had a near fatal car accident. Charles and his family moved to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in l977 to enjoy the warm weather for his wife's health. His businesses were pest control and real estate. After living in the Valley for several years, his wife passed away and he married the former Louzelle Price Smith. He became stepfather to her two children, Steven Mark Smith of Austin, Tx, and Cheryl Kay Smith of San Francisco, CA. Charles loved to fish, and for several years he and Lou owned a condo on South Padre Island. He and Lou loved to travel to Europe and Mexico and to visit their children and grandchildren. Charles loved life, never met a stranger, and had a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Louzelle P. Helt, his brother, Don Helt, (Sandra) of Florida, as well as his children, stepchildren, and seven grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his first wife, and two brothers and two sisters; Ilo Rakich, Dee Wieler, John Helt, and Bobby Helt. A memorial service celebrating Charles Helt's life will be held on Thursday, March 30th, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of McAllen; 104 South 12th Street. Phone #: (956) 682-2836. Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. oversees funeral arrangements. Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of McAllen in his memory. Mailing address is P.O. BOX-1029 McAllen, Tx 78505.

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Charles Emerson Helt

January 2, 2023