David Austin Helm died peacefully on November 15, 2018, in Fountain Valley, CA, at the age of 81.
David is survived by his wife, Diana “Deedie” Helm, of Huntington Beach, previous wife Jill Shwam of Mission Viejo, CA, sisters Gloria Becker and Darla Kilmer, daughter Lesa Mason of Gilbert, AZ, son Steven Helm of Orange, CA, daughter Marlo Church of Kill Devil Hills, NC, son Brady Helm of Huntington Beach, CA, stepdaughter Kelli Myers of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and stepdaughter Penny Novak of San Diego, CA. He was a loving grandfather to Jeffrey Mason, Justin Mason, Jake Helm, Ethan Helm, Carlee Helm, Wyatt Helm, Timothy Larson, Ryan Novak, and Kate Novak and great-grandfather to Bailey Rose Helm.
David was born on August 28, 1937, in Hayden, CO, to Eddie and Alice Helm. He was raised in both Compton and Lynwood, CA, and played in the marching band at Lynwood High School, where he graduated in 1955. He went on to receive a degree in education from Pepperdine University, where he also played baseball. He worked in sales for Earle M. Jorgensen Steel in Los Angeles for 40 years. David and his wife, Deedie, met at First Christian Church Huntington Beach and blended their families when they wed there in 1988. He was a man who enjoyed a good joke and loved God, his family, NASCAR, the Angels, and classic cars.
Graveside services for family and close friends will be held on Monday, November 26, at 10 a.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park: 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA, 90601. Enter in at Gate 1 and go to the attendant booth. The representative will instruct you on where to go. The location is in the Carnation Lawn, Section 9, Burial Lot 2536, Grave 3.
The celebration of life will be held Tuesday, November 27, at 10 a.m., in the chapel at First Christian Church Huntington Beach: 1207 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648, with a light reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org) or to Guide Dogs of The Desert (https://www.guidedogsofthedesert.org).
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