Collin Co., TX - Obituary - F. M. Helms *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: "Karen Beda" Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** Death claimed one of Northwest Collin's oldest settlers and finest citizens (My Great-Great Grandfather) Sunday, December 18, when F. M. Helms passed away at 7 a.m. at his home in the Bethel Community. The funeral was conducted at Cottage Hill Church at 1 p.m. Monday, December 19, by Rev. a. R. Morgan of Weston, Texas and Rev. T. Lee Miller of Howe, Texas. Burial in Cottage Hill Cemetery. Francis Marion Helms, according to his long-time friend, Mr. J. T. Malone, was the earliest settler within a radius of ten miles. He was born in the community were he died December 11, 1851, and had spent the entire 81 years of his life there. He was left an orphan at a tender age and was reared by Mrs. Visa Shaver. His first marriage was to Mrs. Helen Farmer to which union were born six children, three sons and three daughters, two of the sons dying in infancy. Mr. Helms' second marriage was to Miss Della Gwin and to this union were born nine children, four of whom preceded their father to the grave. The surviving members of the family are the widow and the following children: Mrs. Dovie Willard of Anna, Texas; Mrs. Zuella Flanery, of Howe, Texas; Byrd Helms of Glidden, Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Bilderback and Mrs. Birdie Medders of Celina, Texas; Mrs. Annie Lily of Sherman, Texas; Charles Helms of Tell, Texas, Ray Helms of Weston, Texas; Curtis Helms, who lived with his parents. Byrd and Charlie Helms were not able to be present at the funeral. Mr. Helms leaves twenty-nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. Sarah Richardson of Decatur, Texas also survives. Mr. Helms was the friend of all and had no enemies. Shortly before he gave assurance to his family that death had no terrors for him. Mr. Helms became a Christian in early manhood and united with the Cottage Hill Methodist Church where his membership remained to the end. He served this church for forty years a steward. (The Celina Record, Celina, Texas, Thursday, December 22, 1932).