David Lee Nephi Helton, 83, of Stillwater, OK, passed away on July 1, 2020 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. A celebration of his life will be held at the Folsom Chapel Cemetery in Center, TX. 

David was born in Joplin, Missouri to Abraham Clyde Helton and Clara Belle Matson on March 8, 1937. He was the last of five children. David met his eternal sweetheart Donnith Ann Cochran in Pasadena, Texas and they were married January 20, 1959. They had 61 beautiful years together and loved camping and traveling. 

David served in the United State Army, first in the infantry and then as a helicopter pilot. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. David served two tours of duty in Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/numeral 8 and the Army Commendation Medal w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. He loved his country and served valiantly for 21 years. After retiring from the Army, David became an 8th grade Earth Science teacher teaching for 23 years in Carrizo Springs, Texarkana and Houston, TX. He loved teaching and watching students develop a love for the Sciences. 

David is preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Helton, parents and sister Dorothy Helton, brother, Clyde Helton ( Norma Copeland) sister, Rose Wiederaenders ( Warren Wiederaenders) and brother, John Helton.

David is survived by his wife Donnith Helton, and his children David Helton, Jr. ( Debra McGinnis), Sharon Hillock ( David Hillock) and James Helton. One of David’s biggest joys was watching his grandchildren grow and teaching them about science. They are Sarah Helton (Jason Ainsworth), Jacob Helton, Aubrey Walser (Carlin Walser), Dallin Hillock ( Samantha Hall) and KeLei Walker ( Jadon Walker). He also had 6 great grandchildren. 

David was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He made sure his children and grandchildren knew that he loved his Savior Jesus Christ and he was always serving others. 

The family wishes to thank the Stillwater Karman Legacy Hospice for the care they gave to their dad. Thank you to the nurses Toni, Linda, Melody, Mary and Megan. You were so kind and loving to our dad and we love you for that. Thank you to Megan, Megan and Audrey for bathing dad with dignity and loving care. We couldn’t have done it without you all and will forever be eternally grateful for each and every one of you. May God Bless the Angels who take care of us.