Donald L. Helms

Donald L. Helms, 82, formerly of Waynesburg, PA, recently of Strabane Trails Village, Washington, PA, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017, in Hospice Donnell House, Washington, PA.

He was born on August 12, 1935, in Dillonvale, OH, son of the late Charles E. and Mary C. Loy Helms, and grew up in the Ohio River Valley of Northern West Virginia. Donald was survived by his wife of 41 years, W. Cathryn “Cathy” Godfrey Helms; son, Charles (Peggy) of Niceville, FL; daughter Donna (Alvin) Illig of Sachse, Texas; son David (Julie) of Bainbridge, Island, WA; 3 grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, and Andrew Helms; 2 step-grandchildren, Anthony (Kristin) Illig and Daniel Illig; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Carson Illig. Also surviving are sisters, Evelyn Ruth Helms Johnson of Glen Dale, WV, and Carol Sue Helms Wnek of Shadyside, OH, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife and the mother of his children, Constance Marianna “Ann” Tharp Helms, of Niceville, FL.

Donald apprenticed as a machinist at the Marx Toy Plant in Glen Dale, WV, before leaving the area to attend college, he received a BA from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, a MS from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, in 1967. He is best known as a professor at Waynesburg College, where he taught Psychology, Applied Statistics and Research Methods between 1968 and 2003.

Deceased are a brother, Charles E. Helms, Jr; two sisters, Dorothy E. Helms Greene and Mary Catherine Helms Allison.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or services. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370; Greene County Habitat for Humanity, 32 S. Church St. #104, Waynesburg, PA 15370; or Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301.