Donald O. Helsley entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 26, 2016. His wife, Joyce, of 62 years was at his side throughout his battle with cancer and other health issues.

Don was born in Buhl, Idaho on November 8, 1928. Don was a farmer most of his life, first driving a Caterpillar at the age of 9. He met the love of his life in Twin Falls, ID, and they married on June 13, 1954. Don and Joyce lived in various towns in Idaho before settling their family in Quincy, WA in 1962 to work on Don’s father’s farm. When his father retired, Don and his brother purchased the farm. Farming was in his blood, and he helped his son Fred, who had taken over operation of the farm, up until 2012.
In 2014, Don and Joyce moved to Ephrata.

Don and Joyce had the privilege of raising their four boys to follow Christ. He modeled Jesus to his wife and children. He was a kind and tender man, who treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was a pilot, and enjoyed flying his small plane whenever he could. Don liked to fish and hunt, and loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Don is survived by his wife Joyce, and three sons and their wives, Dallas and Cindy Helsley, Don and Audra Helsley and Dennis and Edi Helsley. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucille Beach, Alice Maher and Louise Gowan, he was the proud and loving grandpa of Caleb, Aaron, Daniel, Matthew, Jonathan and Rebecca Helsley and Hannah Helsley Bode.

Don was preceded in death by his parent, Otis and Hazel Helsley, his son Fred tragically passed away in 2013, his brother David Helsley and sisters, Marie Neuman, Faye Leighton, Billie Mrrack and Sonja Goodwin.

A service celebrating Don’s life will be held at the Community Evangelical Free Church, 110 Main Ave E., Soap Lake, WA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016. A lunch will be served following the service, all family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in his name be made to Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian humanitarian aid organization (samaritanspurse.org).

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com.
Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.