Kenton Paul Helms

Kenton Paul Helms, who loved his family, Tennessee's backroads and forests, and a good dog by his side, died on July 22, 2023 in Hendersonville, Tennessee.  He was 76.

Born January 11, 1947, in Paris, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Kenton and Daisy (Workman) Helms. A long-time resident of Hendersonville, TN, Paul was retired from the Lee Company and proudly served in the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC) from 1966 to 1970. He was a graduate of E.W. Grove (Henry County) High School, class of 1965 and a long-time member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.

Paul leaves his family with a legacy of a devoted 52-year marriage, a deep love for his sisters, and a gift for storytelling. He frequently captivated his daughters with tales of a pet rooster named "Sanny Claus" who would ride on the handlebars of his bike and urged them on long road trips to be on the watch for "Falling Rock," a long-missing Native American princess whose family posted many roadway signs seeking her return. They still spend Christmas Eve waiting for a pet to speak at midnight, which in their dad's telling, was a special gift bestowed upon the animals of the nativity. To-date, they have not had anything to say.

He is survived by his wife Emily Helms (Wansing); children, Kristie Helms Nettles, wife Kathryn of Nashville, TN, Katie Nelson (Helms) of Gallatin, TN; grandson, Reid P. H. Nelson of Gallatin, TN; sister, Marcilla Wimberley (Helms) of Paris, TN; several nieces and nephews; his long-time childhood friends James "Jimmy" Elliott of Paris, TN and Furman W. Muzzall, Jr. of Clarksville, TN as well as devoted dog Penny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Drucilla Owens (Helms) and Emmie Louise Helms (infant).

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday July 31, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Paul's name to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, 300 Orlando Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209 or the Sumner Humane Society, 16 Volunteer Drive, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Paul would also wish that you remember to change your air filters regularly.