John H. Helmers

John H. Helmers, 70, passed away suddenly at his home in Owensboro January 14, 2013. Family man, attorney, athlete, horseman, world traveler and friend, John was born in Owensboro, the son of the late John K. and Louise Jerger Helmers. A 1960 graduate of Owensboro High School he set long-standing records in track, played on the baseball team, and was a highly recruited football player. He also played on the Babe Ruth All Star Team that went to the World Series in Canada. He chose the University of Kentucky where he received a football scholarship and was a letterman. Following an injury, he joined the UK ROTC and upon graduation from the university and its college of law, he joined the United States Army's Judge Advocate General Corps, serving in Italy and the United States.

Mr. Helmers returned to Owensboro in 1971 to practice law in his hometown. He was presently serving as Master Commissioner and Domestic Relations Commissioner. John enjoyed experiencing other cultures, other foods, and the adventure of travel, which took him throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and other destinations, and included his membership in the Friendship Force. He began his love of thoroughbreds with a partial interest in Beat the Band, a successful filly who won her first race and ran at tracks throughout the eastern United States. He presently owns five horses including the winner of the 2015 Kentucky Derby. John dearly loved his family and his extended family. Approachable, steady, he immersed himself in strangers who quickly became friends.

His survivors include his wife of 22 years, Becky Settle Helmers; his sons John H. "Hal" Helmers, Jr. of Louisville, David L. Helmers and his wife Anne and Lee C. Helmers and his wife Kelli, all of Lexington, and Dr. Christian Settle Altman and his partner Enrique Zuniga of Louisville; his grandchildren, Laney Helmers, Jack Helmers, Lucie Helmers, Lee Helmers, Henry Helmers, and Alex Gray Helmers; his sisters, Joan DuBois of Bellevue, WA, Judi Strong of Lexington, and Janet Clark of Owensboro; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Darren Brandon, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Settle Memorial United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Dreamriders.