Burford Helderman

Buford Sylvester "Shorty" Helderman, 91, of Whitewater died Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at Jackson Manor in Jackson.

He was born Jan. 22, 1916, at Cape Girardeau, son of Era Tilton and Sarah Elizabeth Doggett Helderman. He and Gertrude Brown were married Dec. 20, 1936. She died Oct. 26, 2006.

Helderman owned and operated Helderman Electric since 1948. He farmed in the Burfordville area. He was a member of Burfordville Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Wayne (Georgia) Helderman of Whitewater; a sister, Ola Dell Watkins of Waterloo, Ill.; two grandchildren, Clayton (Vicki) Helderman of Whitewater and Julie (Jason) Hawk of Jackson; and four great-grandchildren, Megan, Brittney, Colby and Natalie Hawk.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Loy.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Morris Cobb officiating. Burial will be in McGuire Cemetery in Burfordville.

Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.