Gary Don Helton

Gary Don Helton, age 78, of Rogers, died August 23, 2015. He was born in Wayne, Oklahoma, on February 12, 1937. Gary graduated from Oceanside/Carlsbad High School in 1955 and worked for Helton Construction. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1959. He took over Helton Construction after his father retired. He and his dad built the Carlsbad Union Church (now old) and rebuilt historical buildings at the Army Navy Academy as well as many other home and commercial endeavors. In the 1980s, Gary opened The Village Guntrader on State Street until the family moved to Rogers in 1991. He operated Ozark Gun Works until his retirement in the early 2000's. He loved going to Sunday service at Grace Harbor Church and catching up with friends, watching his grandchildren grow, and became a St. Louis Cardinals fan, but still cheered on the San Diego Padres. Many lives were touched by Gary and his generous heart. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Noel; children, Matthew, Jennifer, and Mark, daughter in law Sara Helton; grandchildren, Rachel, Luke, and Markus; sister Linda Salter; 13 nieces and nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Wayne Helton, sister Gloria Helton Gamble, mother Gretchen Helton, father Claud "Red" Helton, and nephew Robert Gamble. The September 6, 2015, Sunday service at Grace Harbor Church will start with a few words for Gary and one or two of his favorite hymns will be sung. "Keep it simple," Gary said. "I won't be there to enjoy it anyway!" In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, California or to Grace Harbor Church in Rogers, Arkansas. www.rollinsfuneral.com.