Hughey Edward Helton

Hughey Edward Helton, 95, of Irene, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2023, in West, Texas. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro. Burial to follow at Frost Cemetery.

Hughey was born October 14, 1928, on the Graham farm in Irene, Texas, to Robert Lee and Lora Caroline (Roberson) Helton. Hughey was the youngest of ten children, all of whom preceded him in death. He married Elnora Klein, the love of his life, on June 23, 1947; blessed with two children, Sue and Jackie, they remained together in marriage for 57 years, until her passing in 2004.

Hughey worked with his hands his entire life, farming first with his father, then spending over 22 years farming with his son Jackie, until he retired at 62. Throughout his career in farming, there were droughts and there were feasts. He sewed life, beginning first with his hands, and through the generations, he saw people replaced with machines, trailers to modules, and tractors that had to be worked on for hours before the work even started. Technology continued to progress and though he had a tractor with a cab, he never enjoyed air conditioning or gps.

Later in life, Elnora was able to convince him to take her dancing which quickly became their favorite weekend pastime. Through dancing, they made close and dear friends, taking many trips together.

He was raised in the Christian faith; was an excellent son and caregiver, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Hughey enjoyed simple things-keeping his yard, woodworking, gardening, holding his grandchildren on his lap, combing his great granddaughter's hair and sitting in the sunshine.

Hughey is survived by his children, Sue Watson Southard and husband Bill, son Jackie and wife Janet Helton; grandchildren, Clint Watson, Lora Sykora, Misty Larson, and Jared Bischoff; 11 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and good friend Kitty Tutterow.

Hughey was from a time and generation that made due with what they had. No complaining, no excuses for the things they didn’t have-Just gratitude for the things they did have.