"Life is going to give you a gut full of reasons to be angry, kid. You only need one to be

grateful (Father Stu)." Our father found his reason. He was blessed with and grateful for

his family.

Leslie Ray Helms, age 84, of Knightstown, Indiana, passed away on June 17, 2025 at home, enveloped by the love of a devoted family. Les "Bud" was born on November 14, 1940, in his grandparents' home in Lewisville, Indiana, to Charles and Inez (Stoops) Helms. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in New Castle, Indiana, in 1996, after 30 years. He also farmed in Rush County, Indiana, for nearly 30 years. In retirement, he and his wife Janice could be found on a golf course. Together, they enjoyed the last 29 years golfing and supporting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many passions. As a golfer, he made a hole-in-one three times but would downplay this by saying he had only three perfect shots out of thousands of rounds of golf. In his younger years, Les was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and trained countless dogs and enjoyed trapping, fishing, training and riding horses, coaching his children's sports teams, playing basketball, tennis, bowling, playing Euchre and Gin Rummy, and watching any sport that was televised. His greatest joy was having all of his family together. He spent long hours of quality time with all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Les is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janice (Blackford) Helms; his children Charles (Marian) Helms of Knightstown, Daniel (Dee) Helms of New Castle, and April (Keith) Isaacs of Knightstown; grandchildren Chrissy (Dusty) Neal – New Castle, Isaac (Kati) Helms – Knightstown, Isaiah (Aubrey) Helms – Greenwood, Austin (Kae) Helms – New Castle, Courtney (Aaron) Parrett - Spiceland, Alexa (fiancé Kyle) Helms – Portland, OR, and Travis (fiancée Lindsey) Isaacs – New Castle; great-grandchildren Ally, Emma, Titus, Aliyah, Joanna, Gabriel, Savannah, Elyse, Alden, Vivian, Maisie, Declynn, Noah, Sebastian, Mackenna, Brynlee, Colton, and Luke; his special aunt, Martha (Walt) Rossmanith – Indianapolis; sister Sharon Williams, Terry Helms, and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Pat, Cliff, Kenny, and Tracy, as well as Tammy Brinson.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 – 1:00 on June 21st at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home in Lewisville, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Jayroe, Dr. Andrew Daluga, and Suburban Hospice, Inc. for their care and support.

In remembrance of Les' life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Henry County Saddle Club, Inc. (https://www.hcsaddleclub.com/)

Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Henry County Saddle Club
321 W. 100 N., New Castle IN 47362
Web: httpsaaaaaaaaaaaa;//www.hcsaddleclub.com