Max Helms

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Max L. Helms, 81, entered into his eternal rest on June 17, 2023. He was born December 13, 1941 in Afton, OK. to Charles and Ruby (Johnson) Helms. He graduated from Miami, OK in 1959. 

Upon graduation, he worked in his stepfather's meat packing plant until he married Ginger (Miller). They moved to Oklahoma City, OK shortly after where he accepted a job with Oklahoma Department of Transportation as a Drafting and Design Aide.

He served in the Army at Fort Benning, GA from 1966 to 1968 where he served with the 197th Infantry Brigade. He trained the 31st Infantry Battalion on weapon mastery and explosive detonation. He earned the rank of Sargent and Sharpshooter.

After the military, Max accepted a job at Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in Joplin, MO. at which he worked for more than 30 years as a Highway Designer. Max received his Associates degree in Drafting and Design in 1980 from MSSC.

Max had an enormous and generous heart and an ornery sense of humor. He would often pull pranks on his coworkers and he was known for having the greatest, wittiest comebacks. He would often give advise in witty statements such as, "Don't step in anything you can't wipe off!"

Throughout his life, he took on many passions. In his early years, Max enjoyed Uphill Dirtbike Climbing which he traveled all over the Mid-West competing alongside his brother, Gail. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry, coaching his son's Little League teams, and caring for his beloved animals. Max was considered to be a "Max of all trades". He could fix or build anything.

He married Debra (Dodson) in 1985 and together, they have enjoyed many years of riding and caring for horses, going on numerous motorcycle touring trips, and raising miniature donkeys. He had a true love for animals big and small. His greatest enjoyment came from raising and breeding miniature donkeys.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Charlene (Griffin), and Judy (Merit); a brother, David Helms; and stepfather, James Ohler.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, son Darrin (Lesley) of Fayetteville, AR; daughter Karen (Chris) Erdmann of Duenweg, MO; and daughter Carin (Bob) Cherry of Miami, OK. He has 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; a brother Gail (Nita) Helms of Broken Arrow, OK; close friends Ray (Marion) Williams, and Bob (Kay) Eubanks; and a beloved dog, Odie.

Max will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later time.

Our family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to a local Humane Society or Horse Sanctuary.