Gary Elwood Helsley

Gary Elwood Helsley, 79 of Princeton, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at  Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, Indiana. He was born April 3, 1946 in Winslow to Ira and Oleva (McClure) Helsley.

Gary was a graduate of Oakland City High School in 1963 and lived in Gibson County all of his life living in Oakland City before moving to Princeton in 1980.  After high school, Gary entered selective service in August of 1963 with the US Air Force as a missile security guard and served for 4 years. After his service in the Air Force, Gary began working for Babcock and Wilcox in Mt. Vernon, Indiana.  He then went on to begin work for Norfolk Southern Railway in 1969 as a conductor and brakeman for 40 years until retirement in 2007.

He was a devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 30 years, Indiana Freemason, Lodge 467 Oakland City, in which he was recently honored with his 50-year Masonic Anniversary pin as a 50-year Master Mason, Noble of Hadi Shrine Temple, VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree member, United Transportation Union Member, and a member Oakland City Golf Club. Gary was an avid golfer, Notre Dame and IU fan, and loved spending time with his family and friends.  

Gary married the love of his life, Betty (Kinder) Helsley, on October 16, 1982 and they were blessed with 31 years before her illness and passing in 2014. Gary’s tireless, incredible dedication to Betty’s care during her illness was a testament to their deep love and devotion and was evident to all around. Gary was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. 

Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Helsley; his parents, Ira and Oleva Helsley; sister-in-law, Carolyn Cochren; and brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Cochren.

Gary is survived by his son, Scott Lee of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; sister, Kay Church (Tom) of Ruston, LA; brother, Stanley Helsley (Pam) of Petersburg; sister-in-law, Judy Liniger (Dean) of Jasper; brother-in-law, Steve Kinder (Robin) of Oakland City; several nieces and nephews, Tonya Duggan (Scott) of Ruston, LA, Stephanie West (Brad) of Patoka, Jodi Parker (Steve) of Shiocton, WI, Deena Mokris of Jasper, Jeff Cochren (Kathy) of Huntingburg, Larry Cochren (Sheila) of Huntingburg, Michael Cochren (Celana) of Princeton, Tony Cochren (Emily) of Dayton, OH,  Brooke Kinder Stunkel of Oakland City, Blake Kinder (Brynn) of Princeton, and Lauren Rae Kinder of Owensville; and several great nieces and nephews. 

The funeral will be held at 1:00 Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton officiated by Father John Boeglin. Interment will follow at the Forsythe Cemetery in Oakland City with members of the Retired Veterans conducting full military honors at the cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home and Wednesday from Noon until service time.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 410 S. Race Street, Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared by visiting ColvinFuneralHome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Helsley family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Elwood Helsley, please visit our floral store.