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Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 30 January 2016 30 January 2016

Ivan Helton rsIVAN HENRY HELTON, 74, resident of Deming passed away Wednesday January 27, 2016 at his home with his loving family at his side.

Ivan was born January 6, 1942 in Whiskey Creek, New Mexico to William and Hazel (Heath) Helton.

He graduated from Cobre High School and shortly thereafter in 1961 he entered the United States Army. He served in Vietnam in 1967-1968. He also served three tours of duty in Germany and was stationed in the US as an Army Recruiter. First Sergeant Ivan Henry Helton retired from the Army in 1982.

He received his Bachelor's Degree in Geology and his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Western New Mexico University in Silver City. After graduation he was employed by Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation and lived in Playas until the shut down in 1999. During his time in Playas he was a volunteer with the New Mexico Mounted Patrol.

After moving to Deming he was employed by Border Foods until his retirement. He was the owner of Trail Arms Gunsmith and was a Hunter's Safety instructor.

He is survived by his wife, Glennis Gay Helton of Deming; son Bryan Helton of Dalzell, South Carolina; daughters, Tanya Horn of Deming, Cheryl O'Neill of Albuquerque; brothers, Richard (Nancy) and Charlie (Angie) Helton; sisters, Dianna (Richard) Reece, Peggy (Charles) Drake, and Rebecca (Weldon) Teague; and 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dick Helton, Chad Parker, Brad Goodwin, Tyler Horn, Richard Helton and James Schaeffer.

Visitation will be this Tuesday evening February 2, 2016 from 6 to 8 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock at Ft. Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors accorded.

Ivan was proud to be an American and proud to serve his country. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior's Project or to the charity of your choice.