Harry William Helmen, 92, of Fredericksburg, Va., died Friday, July 5, 2013, at his home. After serving as a U.S. Army captain in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Mr. Helmen returned to complete a degree in civil engineering at The Citadel. He then pursued a long career as a plumbing and heating sales engineer. For more than 50 years, Mr. Helmen was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg, during which time he served as an elder, a deacon and a Boy Scout leader. Also a longtime member of the Fredericksburg Lions Club, he enthusiastically took part in its humanitarian endeavors for 55 years and was a past president. He enjoyed a long affiliation with the Fredericksburg Theater Company, participating as an actor, a board member and a fund raiser. Survivors include his wife, Martha Spratt Helmen; son Hank Helmen (Peggy); daughter Jill Hubbard (Dan); son-in-law Dr. Paul Hanzel; brother Dr. Robert Helmen (Miriam); grandchildren Elizabeth Lopez (Silvio), Joey Hanzel, Nick Hanzel-Snider (Zack), Sasha Sweet (Adam), William Helmen and Maggie Helmen; and great-grandchildren Bos and Campbell Sweet. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lexa Hanzel; and sister Normabelle Conroy. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 11, at The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg. Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, Box 1006, Fredericksburg, VA 22402; or to the Salvation Army, 2010 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Tags: 1949
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