Walter Thomas ('Dub') Helton was born May 19, 1919 in Ovette, Mississippi. He was the last surviving child of the 5 boys and 3 girls born to Josephine and Jesse Helton. He was 92 when he passed away from complications related to vascular dementia.
Walter went to school and lived many of his formative years in Petal, Ms. He was an all-state quarterback and shared many stories of his football 'stardom' and love of sports. After graduating, he served in the U. S. Army where he met and married our mother, Beverly Simpson, while he was stationed in Arizona; upon release they moved to Mississippi where he completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi and briefly coached football before moving to Texas. From 1954 until his retirement at age 65, he worked as plant engineer/maintenance supervisor for Sweeny Independent School District. He loved his employees, and each of their names was as familiar to our family as family. It was a 24/7 commitment to him that all the campuses operate smoothly and look beautiful.
Walter was a lifelong Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Sweeny for over 55 years. He was a proud World War II veteran and passionate about this country as well as the Republican Party. His biggest pleasures were: family, sports, being an active USM alumnus, gardening, music, dancing, and our mother's cooking. Back 'in the day' he enjoyed every minute of the Brockman Street gang and his dear friends there. He attended as many Sweeny sporting events as he could and would be the first to tell you that Sweeny Anything is THE BEST.
We had the best example of a devoted husband and father, the best example of honesty and work ethic, and the best example of kindness and generosity all rolled into one dad. He took incredible selfless care of our mother when her health failed, as he did throughout their marriage. We know he led a full and spunky life, yet we will sorely miss him, his unconditional love and unwavering support.
Walter is survived by his daughters, Ann Auer (Houston) and Cay Layton (Corpus Christi); three grandchildren: Amy Auer, (Texas City), Lesley Layton and Sean Layton,( Fort Worth); a host of nieces and nephews and their families; 2 sisters-in law, Katherine and Nancy.
A private family service is scheduled.
In lieu of flowers or monetary donations in Walter's honor, we ask that you please give the gift of your time to an elderly relative or friend. Time, respect, prayer, and a loving touch are the most precious and priceless gifts. We cannot show our appreciation enough to Joyce and Dwayne Rucker for their neighborly love and support for so many years. Also, we thank all of the families and friends who were a part of his happy memories.
When our dad had an extremely 'close brush' a few months ago, he woke up briefly in the emergency room and Ann said, "Daddy, I'm right here. You're in the hospital." He looked at her and whispered, "I went to Mama's house and there sure were a lot of people there." We celebrate that he is 'back home' now. Ann and Cay