Robert George “Little George” Helton, 79, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, peacefully passed away December 7, 2019, at his home.
He was born September 5, 1940, the son of George Robert and Velma Ruth Kaiser Helton in Wabash County, Illinois. George graduated from Mt. Carmel High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army.
George was a member of Lick Prairie Church. He owned and operated Little George’s Backhoe Service. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion #423, Mt. Carmel Elks #715 (Past Exalted Ruler), Eagles #3066, Masonic Lodge #239, Wabash Valley Shriner’s Club and a lifetime member of the International Union Operating Engineer Local #841. George was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan, loved Nascar, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the Wabash River in which he was a member of the Boat Club. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. George was a hard-working man and was always ready to help anyone in need.
George is survived by his children Tim Keepes of Princeton, Indiana, Jeff (Sherri) Keepes, Scott Keepes and Lori (Jacob) Wilkinson, all of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; grandchildren, Colton and Tyler Sloan, Jesse Joe (Desiree) Neikirk, Brittany (Joe) Swift, Emily Dill, Heather (Jon) D’Errico and Brian (Lindsay) Keepes; greatgrandchildren, Dane and Jax Neikirk, Keagan, Jayce, Jett and Avery Swift, Connor and Mia D’Errico, and, Caleb, Job, Jedidiah and Ruth Keepes; siblings, Bonnie Talley of Mt. Carmel, Judy Whitaker of Memphis, Tennessee, Mary Ruth (Charlie) Kieffer and Jack (Mary) Helton both of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Eleanor Nation and Peggy Peterson; and a grandson, Caleb Keepes.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Friends and family may call for a visitation Wednesday evening, December 11, 2019 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to Friends of Christmas. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Little George’s family.
