John Leroy Helton

John Leroy Helton (Big John), 77, of Poplar Bluff died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Center.

Born in Butler County, Mo. to Lawrence and Lucinda Stage Helton, he was the tenth of ten children. His parents and five sisters; Alice, Gladys, Letha, Lorene, and Lela, and four brothers; Clyde, Jim, Lawrence, and Ervin preceded him in death.

Big John attended a one-room school, Martin School, 1st thru 8th grade. He went to work at a young age at Van Halfordy's Feed and Implement in Poplar Bluff from 1952-1955, and worked in Illinois and Pontiac, Mich. from 1955-1958. In 1958 he enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps at San Diego and El Toro, Calif., where he met and married his wife Patricia (Pat), who was serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married for 55 years. They lived in Orange County, Calif., until 1987 when they bought the South West side of the old Collins Farm, one mile from where he was born. They moved from California to Poplar Bluff in 1993. He was a Volunteer for Butler County Fire Department from 1994 - 2015 and was a Volunteer for the Butler County Sheriff's Department from 1998 - 2005. He enjoyed line dancing, motorcycles, and helping friends and neighbors. He was a member of Old Oak Hill Church.

Big John is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat) Stephanic Helton: two sons: John Helton (Brenda) and Robert (Bob) Helton (Toni); two grandchildren: Robert (Bobby) Helton and Jessica Helton Landers (Sam); two step-grandchildren Stacy Harmon and Jamie Casey; two great-grandchildren: Veyda Rae Helton and Lucy Hart Landers; three step-great-grandchildren: JD Harmon, Mykenzie Lipsey, and Elleigh Casey, all of Poplar Bluff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

To honor his wishes there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice in his memory.