Richard "Dick" Ayres Helm, 78, of Gaston, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 2, 2021.

Dick was born on November 17, 1942, in Winchester, Indiana to the late Eldon and Frances (Ayres) Helm. He was a 1961 graduate of Dunkirk High School and attended Indiana University. Dick was a United States Army Veteran. He served two tours in Vietnam and earned two Bronze Stars along with numerous other medals and accolades. Dick worked in quality control at Duffy Tool and Stamping for over 35 years. He was a member of the Parker City United Methodist Church and had also attended Gethsemane United Methodist Church. Dick was also a member of the Gaston Legion and enjoyed participating in Civil War Re-enactments. Dick enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was their biggest fan.

Dick is survived by three children, Kara Kinsey (Brad) of Gaston, Marci Reno (Jeff) of Gaston, and Eric Helm (Shanna) of Nashville, TN; ten grandchildren, Cory, Michael, Casey, Mace, Drake, Chloe, Marah, Joshua, Elijah, and Emma Grace; five great-grandchildren, Zacariah, Cameron, Layla, and Cooper, and Emersyn; sister, Betsy Bowmer (Ron) of Muncie; brother, William Helm (Jean) of Colombia City; and his best friend, Daniel Phillips.

Dick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy (Thornburg) Helm; and a brother, Robert Helm.

A funeral service to celebrate Dick's life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, August 6, 2021, at Parker City United Methodist Church, 305 S. Main St. in Parker City, IN. Pastor Laura Helm will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery in Windsor, IN.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday at Gant Funeral Homes – Gaston Chapel, 109 W. Elm St. in Gaston, IN and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4600 Devitt Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45246.

Share a memory of Dick and leave your condolences at www.gantfuneralhomes.com

The Gant and Miller families are honored to celebrate Dick's life with his family and community.