Raymond Burdell "Red" Helmick, Sr.

Age 80, of East Sparta, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.  He was born June 26, 1937 in Linn, WV, a son of the late Worthy and Madeline (Frasure) Helmick, and had been an East Sparta resident since 1999.  Ray retired in 1988 from The Timken Co., after 33 years service, where he was a laborer and did many jobs.  He also played Santa Claus at Canton Center Mall for nine years and was an employee of McKinley Life Care for three years.  He was a member of East Sparta United Methodist Church.  Ray enjoyed farming, camping, going to flea markets, and wood working.  Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley J. Helmick, on March 29, 2011, his first wife, Rose Marie Helmick, infant son Richard, son Bill Fink, two sisters and three brothers, Stella, Corene, Earl, Roland, and Ofie Helmick, and a brother-in-law, Claude McHenry.  He is survived by two daughters and three sons, Diane Martin, Sonia "Debbie" and Ed Hardesty, Raymond and Jenny Helmick, Jr., Steve and Tammy Lilly, Kelly and Lisa Wengerd; a daughter-in-law, Linda Fink; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Louvone McHenry, and one sister-in-law, Betty Helmick; and several nieces and nephews who called him Uncle Buddy.  Services will be held Sat. at 10 a.m. in Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with Pastor Peggy Garner officiating.  Interment will be in Sunset Hills Burial Park.  Friends may call Friday 6-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's memory may be made to East Sparta United Methodist Church, PO Box 445, East Sparta, OH  44626.  Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425