Peter Max Helmer
Peter Max Helmer, 86, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:47 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his residence.
He retired from Freeman United Coal Company as a superintendent after a 37-year mining carrier. Peter was also a mine rescue worker for 28 years, having worked various mine fires and explosions. He was proud to have worked with the McCormick boys, Paul and Tom, who were considered among the best in the state.
He was a life-time member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3943 of Christopher. He served his country in the U.S. Army during W.W. II as a Tec 4 and received the Victory Medal and American Theater Ribbon. He was a member of the American Legion Post 647.
He was born July 17, 1926 at Du Quoin, Ill. the son of Peter M. and Margaret (Phillips) Helmer.
He married Maxine Morris on Jan. 27, 1963 at Pinckneyville, Ill. and his beloved wife preceded him in death May 14, 2011.
He is survived by four children- Thomas Helmer and wife Debbie, Daniel Helmer and wife Carmen, John Helmer and wife Beth and Nancy Sheehan, all of Du Quoin, three step daughters- Diane Fisher of Winchester, Ky., Myrtle Williams of Du Quoin, Patsy Boles of Sesser, twin sister- Maxine Noonan of Naperville, sisters- Dorothy Klein of Montreal, Canada, Ellenita Martinez of Rosebud, Tex. and Mary Ellen Helmer of Du Quoin, 10 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother- Edward Helmer, stepson- Cecil Dorsey who died in the Viet Nam War.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Nick Junker officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW, American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Friends may make memorials to Masses, Sacred Heart Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.