Raymond Helona, 74, of China Spring, passed away January 15, 2013. Funeral mass will be 12 noon, Thursday, January 17 at St. Louis Catholic Church. A private family rosary will be held 5pm Wednesday, January 16, with a public visitation from 6 to 8pm at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Raymond was born on April 17, 1938 to Frank and Mary (Parma) Helona in Hill County, Texas. He graduated from Abbott High School in 1956 and later went on to marry Pat Hykel on October 1, 1960 in Abbott. Raymond served in the National Guard for 7 years. He worked at Waco Grain Exchange as an inspector and also served as a Fire Fighter for Waco Fire Department for 29 years.
Raymond adored his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Throughout his life, he enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, and playing golf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Johnny Helona; and a great-grandson, Richard Brantner.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat Helona of China Spring; two sons, Mark Helona and Brian Helona, both of China Spring; a daughter, Ann Popp and husband Bruce of China Spring; six grandchildren, Fallon Helona and companion Kyle Brantner, Hillary Helona, Shelby Helona, Bruce Popp, Jr., Tanner Popp and Jimmie Helona; three great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Michael, and Kyler; a sister, Lillian Tufnell and husband John of Frisco; a brother, Joe Helona of Hillsboro; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Helona of Elm Mott; and numerous other relatives.
Pallbearers will be Chris Helona, John Tufnell, Jimmie Helona, Bruce Popp, Jr., Tanner Popp, and Carlton Buchanan. Honorary Pallbearers are Albin Picha, Joe Mach, Bobby Pankonien, Larry Holsher, and Billy Vaden.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr James Copeland, Waco West Dialysis, Waco Cardiology, and Waco Fire Fighters.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, 2001 North 25th St, Waco, TX, or The National Kidney Foundation through their website at www.kidney.org.