David Lee Helphenstine, 72, a well-known resident of Washington and
lifelong resident of Mason County, passed away peacefully, April 1,
2012, in the Maysville Nursing and Rehab Facility.
He had been at
his home, 'The Pillsbury House' in Washington until March 22. He was
diagnosed with liver cancer April 14, 2011, and had no warning until
pain two days before and his wishes were for others to have cancer
screenings.
David was educated in the Maysville School System,
first at Sixth Ward, then Forest Avenue and Maysville High School. He
was a United States Marine veteran having served four years in the
Marine Corps.
After his discharge from the Marine Corps, David
worked at Berline's Auto Sales, Toncray's Auto Shop and retired after 35
years from Emerson Power Transmission in Maysville.
For the last several years he worked in David's Brass Works in Washington until he became ill.
David
enjoyed nothing more than time spent with his great-granddaughter,
Abby, 4-years-old and great-grandson, Dayne, one year and four months
old.
Their father, David Cotten, brought them from Winchester , to visit and brighten their 'Granddaddy's' life.
David was born in Mason County to the late Edgar S. and Nellie Frances Humphries Helphenstine on Aug. 13, 1939.
He
leaves behind his wife and caregiver, Phyllis McRoberts H. Doyle
Helphenstine. They celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on Oct. 12,
2011.
Survivors include daughters, Elaine Hansen Cotten of
Washington, Penny of Texas; his namesake grandson, David Edward Cotten
of Winchester ; granddaughter, Gwendolyn Carol Cotten;
great-granddaughter, Abby Elizabeth Cotten; great-grandson, Dayne Edward
Cotten; a special friend, James Moose, who visited him faithfully
throughout his long illness; nieces, Sally Lindsay, Sue Schmate Groves
and Ann Doppleheuer; several other nieces and nephews in Mason County;
nephews John Wesley Newsome, Sr., (Lenora), Paul Wayne Newsome (Pam),
both of Jacksonville, Fla., and his beloved pets, Yorkshire terrier, Sir
Lancelot, (Lance).
He still mourned the loss of their cats,
Persian, Beauregard and Tommy Edward, their shop cat and David's special
companion for over 12 years who was killed May 4, 2011, by a van going
too fast on Old Main Street in Washington.
Besides his parents, his sister, Margaret Newsome, a half-sister, one brother and two half-brothers, preceded him in death.
Service
will be held Tuesday, April 3, at 7 p.m., at Brell Funeral Home with
visitation from 5 p.m. until the hour of the funeral.
A graveside
memorial service will be conducted, Wednesday morning April 4, 2012, at
11 a.m., in the Maysville Cemetery with full military rites.
Officiating
will be Rev. Lonnie Blosser, lead pastor of the Church of the Nazarene
on Maple Leaf Road, Rev. Mason Harrod and Rev. Jim Rawlings, a friend of
David's of many years.
A meal will be served at the Nazarene Church following the service.
In
lieu of flowers, a gift of memory of David L. Helphenstine may be made
to the Maysville Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, 156 West Maple
Leaf Rd., Maysville, Ky. 41056 or Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station
Drive, Maysville, Ky. 41056.
Brell and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends and family may sign in with their condolences to the guestbook on-line at www.brellandson.com.
from Maysville Ledger Independent