WILLIAM HELMS JR.

SIKESTON -- William Helms Jr., 76, of Sikeston died Thursday, June 20, 1996, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 8, 1920, at Matthews, son of James William and Edna Ida Shaffer Helms. He and Delcie M. Phegley were married March 18, 1939, at New Madrid. She died Sept. 26, 1992.

Helms served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was employed as a route salesman for Hart's Bakery for 30 years. He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Matthews.

Survivors include a son, William Helms III of Sikeston; a daughter, Glenda Sue Riley of Sikeston; three sisters, Ruby Spencer of Matthews, Mary Lambert of Imperial and Lucille Loftin of Muncie, Ind.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, seven brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Cecil Adams officiating. Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery.