Luther C. Helton, 87, son of John C. and Minnie Belle Abbott Helton, was born Nov. 2, 1920, at Palace. He died Dec. 22, 2007, at his home at Plato.
He married Luvena Maxine Hildebrand Oct. 13, 1951. They had four children.
He served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 3, 1940, to June 27, 1945. When he left home for the Army, it was five years before he was able to return.
During World War II, he was awarded eight Bronze Stars for French-Morocco, Tunisian, Sicilian, Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. He received a Good Conduct Medal. A lapel button was issued, and he was entitled to wear the American Defense Service Ribbon, the European/African/Middle East Theatre Campaign Ribbon; five Overseas Bars and the Croix de Guerre with Palm 1st French Army.
Mr. Helton spent most of his life in the Plato area. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10967 of Roby and a 50 plus year member of Plato Masonic Lodge #469.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents; son, John Bentley; one brother, James Lee; and one sister, Hazel Felton.
Surviving are three daughters, Marsha Richards of Licking and Pamela Fletcher and Theresa Ryan of Plato; one sister, Mary Lemons of Springfield; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 o’clock today (Thursday) at the Palace Union Church with Gary Hutsell officiating. Burial with military honors is in the Palace Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston.
Memorials may be made to the Palace Cemetery.
