Richard M. "Dick" Helm

Richard M. Dick Helm, 84, of Palmyra and formerly of Manheim died peacefully on Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Lebanon Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Charles P. and Alta Martin Helm. Dick served his country for over twenty years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was the loving husband of Patricia A. Miller Helm and they observed their 25th wedding anniversary in December of last year. His first wife, Betty Rice Helm died in 1980. Dick graduated from Franklin Marshall College with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and he earned a Masters degree in chemistry at the University of Delaware. Throughout his life he worked as a chemical engineer in research and development for the former Raymark Industries Manheim, and the former Dodge Cork Company Lancaster. In the 1960s Dick worked as a Senior Engineer in the Structures and Materials Department for Martin-Marietta Company in Maryland and helped in the development of heat shield materials for the rockets that were used in the space program. Earlier in his life Dick served on the Manheim Central School Board. He was a member of the Prospectors Investment Club Manheim. Dick had a passion for horses; he enjoyed developing, breeding, and racing thoroughbred horses for over forty years. He was a member of the PA Horse Breeders Association.

Surviving in addition to his wife are four daughters: Sue Ann wife of J.G. Dodd of Richmond, VA., Patricia Ann wife of David Wilson of McVeytown, Jo Ann Helm of Tampa, FL., Barbara Ann Helm of Mount Joy, a step son, Matthew P. Amos husband of Christine Amos of Harrisburg, two granddaughters, two step grandchildren, two brothers: W. Jackson husband of Elizabeth Helm of Winchester VA., and Charles P. Helm of Lancaster. Preceding him in death is a brother James Helm.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his celebration of life service from the Buch Funeral Home 21 Market Square Manheim on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Manheim Fairview Cemetery Penn Township. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Those desiring may send contributions in Dicks memory to the Wounded Warrior Project 7020 A C Skinner Pkwy Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL. 32256 or the Lebanon VA Medical Center Voluntary Service 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Lebanon, PA 17042.