Donald L. Helms
Donald L. Helms, 82, formerly of Waynesburg, recently of Strabane Trails Village, Washington, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017, in Concordia Hospice of Washington at Donnell House, Washington.
He was born August 12, 1935, in Dillonvale, Ohio, a son of the late Charles E. and Mary C. Loy Helms, and grew up in the Ohio River Valley of Northern West Virginia.
Mr. Helms apprenticed as a machinist at Marx Toy Plant in Glen Dale, W.Va., before leaving the area to attend college. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Anderson University, Anderson, Ind., a master of science from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, and a Ph.D. from 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.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, W. Cathryn “Cathy” Godfrey Helms; two sons, Charles (Peggy) of Niceville, Fla. and David (Julie) of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; a daughter, Donna (Alvin) Illig of Sachse, Texas; three grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, and Andrew Helms; two stepgrandchildren, Anthony (Kristin) Illig and Daniel Illig; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Katelyn and Carson Illig; two sisters, Evelyn Ruth Helms Johnson of Glen Dale, W.Va., and Carol Sue Helms Wnek of Shadyside, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his first wife and mother of his children, Constance Marianna “Ann” Tharp Helms of Niceville, Fla.
Deceased are a brother, Charles E. Helms Jr.; and two sisters, Dorothy E. Helms Greene and Mary Catherine Helms Allison.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements are entrusted to Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370; Greene County Habitat for Humanity, 32 South Church Street #104, Waynesburg, PA 15370; or Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301.