Donald Eugene Helton

Donald Eugene Helton, age 85, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Commonwealth Senior Living. He was born on November 22, 1937, to the late Henry Moses Helton and Mary Ann Scott Helton. Don graduated from Glade Spring High School in 1954, he received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He lived most of his life in Bristol and retired from Raytheon. Don was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer with the Washington County Historical Society and an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Don spent many years involved in family genealogy, tracing all four branches of this family back to Scotland and England. He enjoyed watching Hokie football both at Lane stadium and at home with his family. Don worked very hard preserving the family cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Joy Eller Helton, sons, Lee Andrew Helton and Donald Scott Helton, and brothers, Robert Kenneth Helton and Roger Lee Helton.

Survivors include his sister Pat Bartlett and husband, Mike, brother-in-law, Tom Eller, sister-in-law Gayle McThenia and her husband, Clayton; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, with Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. The committal service will take place at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, TN. Those attending the committal service are asked to be at the cemetery by 1:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.