Edward Henry Helfer, 81, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 18, 2019, from Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton. Edward was born in Carter County to the late Edward Conley Helfer and Faith Clemons Helfer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Helfer, and several special aunts, uncles and cousins.
Edward was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and had worked in the electrical engineering department at Eastman Chemical Company, where he retired in 1997. He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran of four years and had also served in the Naval Reserves for two years. Edward was low key, quiet, kind and easy going. He was a member of First Christian Church of Elizabethton and a charter member at East River Park, where he had served as a past treasurer, deacon and elder. Edward enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and hiking and also he was a stamp and knife collector.
Those left to cherish his many, wonderful memories include his loving and devoted wife of 55-1/2 years, Patsy Simerly Helfer; his brother-in-law, Rick Simerly and wife Sandy of Elizabethton; his sister, Judy Chase and husband Bill of Inman, S.C.; three nieces, Cecile Painter and husband Adrian of Portsmouth, Va., Cara Helfer of Charlotte, N.C., and Stephanie Bowen of Euless, Texas; a sister-in-law, Patricia Helfer of Euless, Texas; his godson, Edwin Taylor of Elizabethton; a special cousin, Wendy Smith Garrett of Las Vegas, whom he thought of as a daughter, and Wendy’s daughter, Alexis Duecker, also of Las Vegas.
The committal and entombment service to celebrate and honor the life of Edward Henry Helfer will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 21, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Mr. John Smith, minister, and Mr. Michael Klaus, minister, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be the men at First Christian Church of Elizabethton and the Victory Class, neighbors, friends and retirees of Eastman Chemical Company. Those wishing to attend the committal service are asked to meet at the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park at 1:50 p.m. Thursday. Friends may call at the residence at any time. The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors, staff and Judy and Victor Deloach of Ivy Hall Nursing Home and to Amedysis Hospice for the exceptional and loving care shown to Edward during his illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First Christian Church Building Fund, 513 Hattie Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Helfer and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.