Elmer Gene Helmig

Elmer Helmig, 85, of Otterville, Missouri passed of cancer June 2, 2017 at his farm home of over 62 years.

Elmer Gene Helmig (Sr.) was born September 24, 1931 in Judge, Missouri to Robert and Bernadine Wolfe-Helmig and was the oldest of his brother Clyde and two sisters, Beulah and Bonnie.

Elmer graduated from Linn High School in 1949.

Elmer married Mary Lou Evans the only child of Herb and Ethel Evans on September 30, 1949 in Hardy, Arkansas. The newlyweds lived at Linn, Missouri for four years while Elmer drove a lime truck and farmed with his father.

In 1953 Elmer and Lou bought a farm near Cole Camp, Missouri where he continued to farm while working at the Pittsburgh-Corning Glass Factory in Sedalia, MO.

In 1955, they sold their Cole Camp farm and bought the first of several farms at and near Otterville, Pilot Grove, and Tipton, Missouri as well as Iowa while Elmer continued to work at the “Glass Factory” to help support his farming “habit” until 1960. By this time his farming operation had grown enough to be self-sufficient and too much to allow for a second job.

Elmer and Lou acquired several farms over the years, including one in Iowa and consisted of row cropping, hog production, beef cattle pairs, fat cattle and hay production as well as dairy in the early years and some investment properties in Otterville in his later years.

Elmer farmed with his son Richard for over the last 45 years.

Elmer was a true farmer at heart and enjoyed farming to the very end, especially feeding his cattle.

Elmer and Richard also received awards from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and University of Missouri Extension Division for excellence in planned development in farming and family living. He also received Cooperator of the Year in 2005 from the Pettis County SWCD for his efforts in soil conservation. He received several awards as a seed dealer for Asgrow and in 1992 he received a certificate for six Pioneer corn hybrids all over 200 bushels per acre, with a high of 219.6 BPA production.

Elmer was an avid race fan from NASCAR to the winged Outlaw Sprints and spent many a sleepless night driving to Knoxville, Iowa to watch the races, then driving half the night home to farm the next day.

Another of his passions and loves in his life was his dogs (who are already missing him) as well as his love of gospel music.

He had a great love for his family and expected for everyone to work hard and do well. In his later years, he had a particular fondness for the little great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer and Lou had six children; Gene (Vonnie) Helmig of Columbus Junction, IA; Mike (Janet) Helmig of Wharton, TX; Dale (Robin) Helmig of Otterville; Richard Helmig (Michelle Taylor) of Sedalia, MO; Bert Helmig of Kansas City, MO; and Annette (Ronnie) Cornine (daddy’s little girl) of Otterville.

Grandchildren are Schelly Brosch, Shane Helmig, Tawnua Tenley, Thad Helmig, Melissa Jones, Lori Dunn, Jason Mears, Denny Mears, Brad Helmig, Matt Helmig, Jake Helmig, Christy Wilfong, Brittany Summers, Carey Helmig, J.W. Helmig, Cody Helmig, Ryan Hicks, Ronnie Cornine, and Dena Bemboom; 36 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bernadine; his brother Clyde; son Bert; granddaughters Melissa Jones and Carey Helmig; grandsons Ronnie Cornine and Jake Helmig; and great-grandson Thatcher Helmig.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Otterville, Missouri. The funeral will also be at the First Baptist Church at 10:00 AM Monday, June 5, 2017. Interment will follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Otterville. Officiating will be Pastors Leroy Moon and Ray Layne. Pallbearers are Shane Helmig, Aaron Helmig, Matt Helmig, Jimmy Wilfong, J.W. Helmig, and Chris Bemboom.

Memorial contributions may be made and will be appreciated by the Dream Factory, c/o Linda Johnson, 17577 Hwy EE, Sedalia, MO 65301 or the Providence Baptist Church, 23047 Hwy 135, Smithton, MO 65350.

Arrangements are under the direction of Meisenheimer Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com.