Benjamin C. Helm, Jr., 81, of Hummelstown, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010.
Born in Shippensburg on January 3, 1929, he was the son of the late Benjamin C., Sr. and Gladys Rose Holtry Helm.
Ben was a 20 year employee of the Hershey Foods Corporation, a houseparent for the Milton Hershey School for 18 years, the first manager at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey for 10 years, and a host in the visitors' center of the Milton Hershey School's Founders Hall. He was a 1947 graduate of the former Hershey Industrial School. He was an U.S. Army veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. Ben was a longtime member of The Grace United Methodist Church, Hummelstown, where he attended the ABC Adult Sunday School class and was a former choir member. He was a member of the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association having served two terms on the Board of Directors, a member and past president of the Hummelstown Lions Club, class agent for the Class of 1947 of Hershey Industrial School, and organized the Alumni Glee Club. Ben enjoyed sports and taking walks, but especially loved telling jokes.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Grace M. Tesno Helm, whom he married on August 27, 1949; two sons, Michael S. Helm husband of Lynn of Carlisle, Timothy J. Helm of Washington, D.C.; one brother, Melvin V. Helm husband of Esther of Faynnettsburg; two grandsons, Travis M. Helm and Eric S. Helm both of Carlisle; two step-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; many friends and numerous past and present Milton Hershey School students.
In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Helm.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 11 am in The Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. John A. Schaefer, his pastor, officiating. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Grand View Memorial Park, North Annville Township. Viewing will be held Thursday in the church from 10:00 am until time of the service.
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions made to The Grace United Methodist Church, 433 East Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036. Please write "Building Improvement Fund" in the memo line.
Online condolences may be shared at http://www.trefzandbowser.com/ www.pennlive.com/obits