Carmett “Corky” Helms

I hadn't heard the news of Corky's passing. Corky was our farrier, and as a kid, I always enjoyed his visits, and talking horses. He also loved talking about his family and would talk "teacher news" with my Mom who was also a teacher. I'm so sorry for your loss.

our condolence to the helm family. we knew corky from flea markets and shows. always enjoyed talking to him. he was very proud of all his students. we will miss him

Connie, so sorry to read of your brother's passing. Remembering him in many roles: child neighbor to my great grandmother Perschbacher in Mascoutah to my CJHS science teacher. Peace be with you and the family.

Deepest sympathy for the family. I was just talking about him and how he brought a horse to school to shoe. He was the best teacher ever. Was never disrespectful to his students.

Corky was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I worked with Corky many years and always loved every minute of it. The last 10 years I’ve had the pleasure of being his neighbor. My sympathy to his wife and family. He will be greatly missed. ?❤️

Sorry to hear of the passing of a fellow BAM blacksmith. Revalation 21:3,4 "God will wipe out every tear from their eye, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more; the former things have passed away. My condolences, Jack Grubb

Dear Helms family, Please accept my sympathy on Corky’s passing! He was such a great person/teacher and so greatly respected by everyone he touched in life. He was my 7th grade science teacher at Central Jr. High in the early 70’s. He was the best teacher, we all loved him! We had fun in his class, but he made sure we learned too. I’ll never forget the spring when he would bring a horse to the playground let all us city kids watch as he shoed it. Best memory ever! He also had my sister in the 80’s. You are all in my prayers!

Vicki, Is am so sorry to hear of Corky’s passing. We were out of town last week and I just read the Freeburg Tribune and saw the obituary. I don’t know what happened but you have my sincere sympathy and prayers for you and your family. God bless you.

Vicky and Family, Very sorry for your loss. I and my husband Benny remember the time when you all were first married and we moved your trailer to Old Collinsville Rd. in Belleville we all were so young than. But it is happy memories. God's Blessings, Gloria and Benny Lang

Prayers for your family!! I had Mr Helms, along with my two younger sisters and he was our favorite teacher of all! Yes he could light up a room and make us laugh and yet was the best science teacher. He was such a role model. He made coming to class each day such a joy! It truly was his calling. I know he will be missed.

Dear Vicki, Steve, Rick, Sheri, Wilson, Adam, spouses, and extended family, God Bless you all, I was so sorry and shocked to hear of Corky's passing. Corky was such a vibrant person with a passion for life and a bucket list of accomplishments as long as your arm. He truly knew how to enjoy his time on earth and did it in a way that blessed countless others. I am so grateful he and the Helms family played a big part in my life. I will always remember his energy, encouraging words, and humor. One of my favorite sayings of his when he heard a questionable statement was to say it was some of that "factual misinformation". That always tickled me.

We set up next to Corky at the Swansea farmers market for several years and always enjoyed the visiting time. He sold his longhorn summer sausage and we had produce. He was a pleasant co-vender and we are sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences on your loss

Connie & Don, and the Helms family - know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during your time of grief. Sincerest sympathy, Curt & Laurie Wiley

Corky as the nicest man. I have such great memories when I started my horse business at the farm on Turkey Hill Lane. My sympathies to all his family

To the Helms family, I was saddened to learn of Corky's passing. He was my science teacher at Central Jr. High. I enjoyed his class and have fond memories of it and him. He was definately a favorite teacher of mine when I was young. He touched many people!

My condolences to the Helms family, I knew Corky for many years. I helped him judge science fairs years ago with myself and Jim Beine from Althoff. I knew him when he was still teaching at the old Central Jr High where the YMCA now stnads. I am in my 42yr year of teaching HS. My sympathy for the family at the loss of an excellent teacher and person

To Corky’s family, Corky was one of my favorite all-time persons and we became good friends. Some“70” years ago at Mascoutah Junior High School was when I first met him and enjoyed his enthusiasm in everything I ever saw him involved in, whether it was baseball or after a basketball game at the Knipp Soda Shop. As a military brat from Scott AFB I only got to stay in the Mascoutah area for two years and my father was reassigned overseas. I was invited by Mascoutah/Belleville buddies to join several alumni reunions from the high school class of 1955. We hit it off again and several of us classmates visited him at Turkey Hill Lane admiring the Texas Longhorns. I was amazed to know someone I knew from way back, and in Illinois, owned some Longhorns!! AND I am an adopted Texan! Another common interest was knowing, and sharing, our interest in the history of the 1754 English Marriage Act resulting in many marriages (3,000+) standing at the anvil at Greta Green, Scotland. We both love this history and shared it! I have a small brass anvil that I have sitting on my kitchen counter that Corky gave me when visiting Turkey Hill Lane. It always reminds me of great times with Corky and other buddies in school even after 70 years! Please accept my heartfelt and deepest sympathy to all of the members of Corky’s family. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

To Vicki, Steve, Rick, Sheri, and all other family, please accept my sympathy. Was very saddened to hear of the loss of this wonderful, giving, and unselfish man . Corky was my 4-H leader, horseshoer , and 7th grade science teacher . He was also a mentor to me regarding all things horses, from the fun and formative young days of the 4-H horse club that he and Vicki hosted at thier farm regularly, to the times when I was all in with the thoroughbred racehorse world . He was truly a well respected man in all his endeavors, gave 100% , plus that extra something that set him apart from others. Prayers to his family, Rest In Peace Corky ....... ? Peggy Schaefer

Vicki, we were so sorry to hear about Corky’s passing. Our prayers go up for you and your family for comfort and peace.

My sympathies on your loss. Corky was my science teacher at Central Jr. High. I remember the first day in class. He looked at me and “Collins? You related to a Cheryl Collins? How many more Collinses are there?” I told him I was the last one. I think he taught 6 out of the 10 of us. He was a wonderful teacher and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Helms was one of the most beloved teachers I ever had he had a way of making it fun to learn he will be forever missed

My deepest sympathies to Vicky and family. I taught with Corky for many years. His Science classroom number was 309 at the old Central Jr, High building. He definitely loved teaching, whether explaining science in the classroom or on the playground where once a year, he would bring a horse to school to demonstrate how to " shoe " a horse to the students. Not only was Corky an accomplished farrier, he managed countless science fairs, a long-horned steer rancher and others. He was a mentor and a friend and he always spoke highly of his children and his wife. A Blessed Family

Vicki and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Helms was my science teacher at CJHS. But my most fond memories were riding my bike to the house on Old Collinsville Road on the weekends and "helping" around the animals. I remember the first time Corky hoisted me up on one of the horses, boy was I scared. Corky reassured me nothing was going to happen and made me confident. Rest in eternal peace Mr. Helms.

Corky was my principal at Douglas elementary school in the 90's. Out of the two while I went there, he was amazing to us. He seemed to care about every student individually and was really good at promoting good behavior at school. He will be greatly missed.

Deepest sympathy and prayers for Corky Helms Ohana. Will miss him at the farmer’s market. Rest In Peace my friend.

Helms family my dad Paul Honer and my family sincere sympathy. Spent time at your house trampoline watermelon playing with the coolest toys thanks for sharing Rick Steve and Sherri. Enjoyed the horse shows at your house. Vicki dad wishes he could make funeral but he is at Aviston nursing home. Thoughts and prayers. Kelly and Honer family

Corky was one of the friendliest people I knew, he always had something nice to say and brought joy to people everywhere he went. He was a good man, and a loyal friend, and boy was that sausage great! Thoughts and prayers going out for Vicki and the rest of the family.

Send I ng my condolences to the Helms family. Mr. Helms was a great person and a great teacher. He definitely will be missed by all that knew him.

Vickie ,I was so sorry to learn about Corky,he was so important and supportive to me as Governor Elect during my term as District Governor. His enthusiasm for Optimist Club principles and The O.I. Foundation was contagious. We will all miss him and his inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lloyd

My fondest thoughts of Corky were from the Belleville Optimist Club, though I do remember being a Substitute at Douglas when he was Principal there. He was a real Motivator. An Inspiration! A Character! My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Sincerely, Jane BONALDI

Vicki, I was so shocked and saddened to hear the news. Our paths crossed often from hunting foe anvils while at breaks during OI District meetings to the Farmers Mkt. I once remarked they let anybody in and he said, “I noticed here you are. “. That was Corky. My sympathy and prayers.

Dear Vicki and family please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Corky. He was such a nice man. I did not have the joy of having Corky as my teacher, but I was lucky to have the pleasure of being his colleague at CJHS. Just like so many of his students, I have favorite memories of Corky bringing his horses to school and showing us the art and skill of being a blacksmith. He held us in the palms of his hands with his expert yet understandable explanations, just as his skillful hands controlled his horses. He truly was a man of the land- Central’s favorite cowboy. Happy Trails Corky!

Mr. Helms was the best Science teacher I ever had. He impressed me so much that as a teacher My favorite subject to teach is Science. That love of Science has further gone on to my daughter who majored in Laboratory Science in Technology. Mr. Helms has truly inspired the love of Science for generations. RIP Mr. Helms and condolences to his loving family.

Vicki and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vicki, we are so very sorry to hear about the death of your beloved husband, Corky. We will keep you and your family in our prayers! We will definitely miss talking to Corky at flea markets, where we would buy his delicious sausage!!!!

He was a great principal

My condolences to the Helms family. I had Mr. Helms at Central Junior High School and in later years he taught my son and daughter. He made learning a wonderful experience. Thank you "Corky" R.I.P.

Our deepest sympathies to you, Vicki and family. You are on our hearts and minds as you traverse this difficult time. We are praying for the peace of comfort of Our Lord, Jesus, to be with you. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do for you! These are not empty words that we are using, but truly meant from the heart, and we stand by ready, willing, and able to help in any way possible.

I’m so sorry to learn about your unexpected loss of Corky. He was my favorite teacher at Central Jr High. My brother, Brad Woods, had Corky at CJHS two years later. Brad worked for you, helping with the horses when you lived on Old Collinsville Road. Corky was admired and loved by so many. He will be missed. Thoughts are with your family.

Vickie & Family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Corky, Dave watered his plants at Central and both of our children (David & Julie) had him as a teacher and he definitely made an impact in all of their lives. He will be sadly missed by many!

Dear Vicki, family and Corky's sister Connie. I'm very sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. Blessings to all of you! May you be comforted by many fond memories.

Corky was one of the best role models you could have as a young educator. Every virtue you would want in your child's teacher or principal he possessed honestly.

Mr. C. Helms was an AWESOME teacher at Central Junior High. He taught everyone in my family except for the younger generation. He loved to talk about his horses. Always thought he was the coolest dude wearing cowboy boots as a teacher. LMBO! He was missed after we graduated and will truly be missed by his wife, family, students and teachers. High Prayers are UP for you Mr. C. Helms, a Circle of Prayers Around your Wife, and Family. Rest Peacefully Mr. C. Helms, Eternally. Much Love From The DeBoe Family.

What a great guy and what a wonderful family I have so many great memories of my childhood living next-door to Corky playing with his kids Riding horses what a wonderful childhood he sure was part of our family so sad thoughts and prayers to everyone

Mr. Helms was my Science teacher at Central Jr High, and my boss, and friend as Principal at Douglas Grade School. He was such a great man, all around! I am so very sorry for your loss! RIP Corky, I will miss you and the summer sausage, ❤️

Vicky, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Corky. He touched my life in many ways. He was the greatest science teacher ever! I hss as inedible d St I much knowledge from him in a fun way. Then, our lives touched again as he sat across the table from me as a parent on his daughter Sheris parent conference when she was in first grade. A cute story came to mind. Sheri came to tell me that she had show and tell. I told her it was in the afternoon. She said it couldn’t wait because it was outside. I looked out the window from the st joes building and there was corky and a horse to show the children how to shoe the horse. What a wonderful surprise for the children and myself. You and Corky were wonderful parents to Shari. Please extend my condolences to all of your family.

So very sorry for your loss!!! I will miss you my flea market friend!!! ❤️?

Mr. Helms was my science teacher at Central Junior High School. He truly made it fun to learn. Didn't appreciate dissecting that eyeball though. Knew him on a personal level too. What a wonderful guy. He certainly left his mark on a lot of people, especially his students. Prayers for him and his family.

Mr Helms was an amazing teacher and person. He made Junior High School a less scary place. My condolences to the family.

mr helms waa always a fair and caring teacher he helped many stay on the right path you sure didnt want a swat from him !! RIP corky

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Helms was so dynamic and inspirational as a science teacher at CJHS. As students we were never quite sure what the day’s lesson would hold. He was one of the people who made me want to become a teacher and administrator. Thank you Mr. Helms. RIP.

worked with him as a science teacher and science fairs. great man.

Deepest sympathies to Vicki and the family. Corky was a wonderful person that gave his smile and warm personality to everyone that he encountered in life. As a fellow faculty member, he was someone that I looked up to and was amazed at how he touched so many of his student’s lives. May he Rest In Peace.

Mr. Corky Helms was my Science teacher at Central Jr. High School! (1965-66) Every Year a new class got to see him In Action, "Shoe" his horse! For me, A thrill of a lifetime! He had a great Sense of humor, TOO! I'm 69 years old now, & he left our school w/ some great Memories! God Bless Him, & Your Family! He was Loved by all!

You have my condolences. Corky made a lasting impression on me that has followed me through out my life. He was my seventh grade science teacher, and will never forget when he would bring a horse to school and show the art of horse shoeing. Forever in our hearts.

Vickie, all of us in the Freeburg Women’s Club wish to convey our sympathy to you and your family. I was reading the, “ I Grew Up in Belleville,” page and they’re are dozens of entries from his former students. That is a great testimony to what a terrific teacher he was. Father God, be with this family, as they mourn Corky. Let them celebrate his life.

With Deepest Sympathy Corky will be missed! He was my 7th grade science teacher many moons ago!! And even through high school would go back and visit with him!! He had a very full life and was loved and cherished by his family!

Vicki....I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Corky was the best of the best and a wonderful colleague to my dad during his years at CJHS. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him in such a positive way. Corky was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. He will live on in my memories forever wearing a cowboy hat. Sending much love, Mary Barbara

Corky was a great teacher and principal He about did me in when we had to memorize the Periodic Table!!! I saw him at the farmers market prior to Covid and had a wonderful conversation. He was very special to many people.

So sorry, Prayers for your family

Vicki and Family: Accept our Deepest Sympathies. I think he was a "larger than life kind of guy" always had a smile! God Bless you all and may you find His Peace.

Corky was my linch pin at the Swansea Farmers Market. He was my moral booster, my steady rock, and my Jiminey Cricket with a cow bell. He will be forever missed at the market as a friendly vender and a wonderful, wonderful friend. Rest in peace dear friend, you will be truly missed. Connie Morriss, Swansea Farmers Market Manager.

This is a man who will be sadly missed by many people. I first met Corky and his young family over 50 years ago, when they were looking at homes. I was in grade school, but he made quite and impression with me and all my siblings even then. He was a dynamic science instructor at Central Jr High when I was a student there, and later when I worked as a substitute teacher for him many times, both at Central and also when he was principal at Douglas Elementary School. He was a man who knew how to connect with people, always putting them at ease yet always staying in control. Great qualities for a teacher on so many levels. He will always remain one of the top instructors of my academic life, and a man of high integrity. I am honored to have had the privilege to have known Mr. Corky Helms.

Mr. Helms made learning science fun, always had a smile and was one of my favorite teachers at Central Jr. High. My sincerest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Corky was such a great man, I am very saddened to hear of his passing. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

I had the honor of teaching with Corky, most of all one of my best friends. Cecil Stevenson

Vicki, so sorry for your loss.

Thanks for being a great teacher and an all around wonderful person. You’ve inspired many children through the years and the memory of you will continue to shine. Rest In Peace Mr. Helms

I was blessed to know Corky through 118 as well as a friendly neighbor. I will miss his kind conversations and his incredible talent in what he loved to do. Prayers to his family during this though time.

I have known Corky for many years and in many capacities! Always a genuine person and a friend to all! RIP Corky! Sympathies to his family!

I have know Corky for many years and in many different capacities! He was a friend to all and had a passion for learning! RIP Corky! Sympathies to his family!

My sympathies to the family. Corky left a great legacy. We are all thankful to call him a friend and teacher.

Mr. Helms was my homeroom teacher at Central JHS. Really liked him.

A life well-lived, by a man who was well-loved. It's really the best possible outcome one can have while on this earth. I hope that brings the family comfort. Deepest Sympathies, The Bequette Family

I knew Corky only in passing. My kids are too young to have had him in school. I heard many great things about him. My sympathy to his family.

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to family.

Vicki: Linda and I want to express to you and your family our sorrow and share with you our thoughts and prayers in the loss of your beloved husband, Corky. Corky was a true gentleman, a dedicated teacher, a quality-filled school administrator and such a dear friend. And wow what a terrific cowboy! The love that the two of you so generously shared with each other resulting in 61 years of a wonderful marriage was something to behold. The long-lasting relationship, actually the partnership, that the two of you so successfully accomplished together caused all of us to have such an admiration for the two of you. Vicki, you and Corky were the very best! God bless!

Please accept our condolences on the passing of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We had the pleasure of meeting Corky when attending Adam and Brynn’s white coat ceremony and also their graduation. He was a most interesting and joyful person. We hope your happy memories will bring you comfort.

So sorry for your loss. I have a lot of good memories of Corky when our children were growing up. My warmest thoughts and prayers are with everyone. My deepest sympathy, Carol Brauer

So sorry for your loss. He was one in a million. With sincere sympathy...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers for Gods peace and comfort.

Dear Vicki and Family, We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Corky’s passing. He was my seventh grade science teacher and I was so surprised and happy to meet up with him again when I started working at Belleville School District 118. He always had a big smile on his face and a story to tell. Please accept our sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rhonda and Hank Brenner

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Corky was always one of my favorite people, and I loved the way he could light up a room just by stepping into it. Hugs to all the family at this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Helms was my principal back at Douglas Elementary over 20 years ago. He was absolutely one of my most favorite people at that school! May he rest in peace ❤❤

Our sympathies to you, Vickie and your family. Many great memories of Corky starting with Greater Belleville Science Fair as science teachers, then as principals for District 118, our connection to the Oldendorph Blacksmith Shop at the Labor Museum and finally as vendors at Adam’s Auction House Flea Market. It was a great ride and he was a great person to be with on that journey. I will miss his great laugh, but most of all I will miss him. Rich