Don grew up in Independence, Missouri. He attended Benton Elementary School, William Chrisman High School, Kansas City Junior College and the University of Central Missouri. He took flight training in Kansas City and received a commercial pilot’s license, flight instructor certification and many other flight ratings. He taught many people to fly in the Kansas City area which intertwined his love for flying and his love for being around people.
Don was a merchandise illustrator in the art department for Western Auto in their corporate office in Kansas City, Missouri. He also participated in many of the art fairs in the Kansas City area starting in the 1970’s to present. He often took ribbons in these fairs and many Kansas Citians purchased the artwork to showcase in their homes. The art fairs were a place where Don could exhibit his talent, but also he loved the fairs to intermingle with so many of the people he loved to be around.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie Graham Masters and Glen Helverson Sr., his sons Donnie Helverson and Perry Helverson, his sister Nita Hall and his brothers Glen Helverson Jr. and Bob Zion. He is survived by his loving wife Doris Helverson, his daughter Janice Helverson, and step children Keith Snively, Jennifer Ling (Paul), Kent Snively, five grandchildren, two step grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Services will be held on Tuesday, November 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the Meyers Funeral Home located at 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015. Immediately following the service, an appreciation dinner will be held at the Grain Valley Airport. The Grain Valley Airport was a place Don loved to spend his time, being around his close aviation friends. Don will be missed by many and especially by his family that loved him so dearly. Burial is to take place at a later date at the Lobb Cemetery, per Don’s wishes.
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Janice, I’m so very sorry, my condolences to you.
Doris
So sorry for your loss Don was a prince of a guy and I feel privileged to have called him my friend
Janice – So sorry to hear about your dad. Sending healing prayers.
May the Peace that Passeth all understanding be with you during this time of loss.
Janice, again, I am sooo very very sorry! Know we are holding you very close in our hearts! Ren, mara and Sirkka
Sorry for your loss Doris. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry about Don or Dickie as I knew him.
So sorry for the loss of Don, he was a great friend and neighbor, he taught me a lot about people and friends. I’ll always keep him in a special place.