Edward Joseph Helt, Jr.

Edward Joseph Helt, Jr. passed unexpectedly on August 9, 2024, at the age of 89.

Ed was born in Port Jervis, New York on June 11, 1935, to the late Edward, Sr. and Geraldine (Gibbons) Helt. After leaving New York, Ed and his wife Millie moved to Sarasota Florida for a short while before relocating to the Washington Court House area to be near her family. Once established, Ed’s first job was painting signs for the local area businesses. He also worked as a door-to-door salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. Ed then accepted a position with the City of Washington Fire Department which would turn into a long and rewarding career. Over his career he rose to the position of Assistant Fire Chief. Ed was passionate about fire prevention and education and developed programs that he could use to teach this to local children. Even after his retirement, Ed used his skills as a fire inspector.

Ed was a member of the Ohio National Guard for many years. He was also a member of American Legion post 25, the VFW Post 3762, and the local Amvets. Ed advocated for recognition of local area veterans, regardless of their branch, or length of service. For many years Ed headed up the Americanism and Government Scholarship program which rewarded high school students for their knowledge in American History.

Ed was involved in many other aspects of the community as well. He was the familiar voice sharing the morning news with the listeners of WCHO for many years. He was a Master Mason and Past Master of the Bloomingburg Masonic Lodge, a member and former Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge129, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 423, and a member of the local Rotary Club. His commitment and impact on our community has been felt in so many ways.

Ed had a heart for music. As a young man he played upright bass for a band. He was also known to play a tune on the harmonica from time to time. Ed loved sharing his gift for music with those around him. For many years he was a member of the choir at The Presbyterian Church. He sang songs for several community events and was known to travel to the local senior citizens centers and nursing homes lifting spirits, especially during St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas time. His humble and caring ways combined with his volunteerism led to his 2007 induction into the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.

In the rare event Ed took time for him self he enjoyed bowling and the occasional round of golf with friends.

Along with his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Millie Helt in 2009, his stepchildren, Walter (Peyton) Helt and Karen Peyton, and by a sister, Judy Margarum.

Surviving to carry on his legacy are his daughter Michelle Helt and her husband Robert Fellner; grandchildren, Chelsea Helt and Maxwell Helt-Fellner; sister, Sally Ostrom; his stepdaughter Carolyn (Manuel) Spicer, his nieces, nephews, and his many friends.

A funeral is planned for 12pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Gathering Place Church in Washington Court House with Pastor Danny Dodds officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, August 16th at the Roberts Funeral Home in Washington Court House.