Jessie Ray Helm

Ray Helm, 80, of La Grange, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 at St. Mark’s Medical Center. Jessie was born in Chandler,

Oklahoma on Nov. 30, 1933, the son of Odas and Lottie (Wakely) Helm. Jessie married Francis “LaFern” Burchett on Oct. 3, 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Chandler, Okla. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1960. He worked for Conoco Oil as a Chemist and as a Marketing Executive and retired after 36 years of service. He continued as a consultant through 2012. Jessie was ordained as a minister in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 55 years; three daughters: Sherry Schmidt and husband, Wayne; Alicia Wich and husband, Christopher, all of La Grange; Tina Helm-Brom and husband, Tony, of Brenham; two sons: Orlando Vargas and wife, Patricia, of Austin; Kip Helm and wife, Jennifer, of Houston; brother, Jack Helm and wife, Susan, of Chandler, Okla.; 10 grandchildren and 

five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy Helm; and two brothers: Bob and Wayne Helm. Memorial services will be held at Second Baptist Church in La Grange at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.