Garland Dean Helems
July 14, 1933 - April 15, 2025
Garland Dean Helems, 91, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Viewing 10am, family present at 1pm. Friday April 18, 2025. Service will be 2pm Friday, April 18, 2025, Trout Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Born on July 14, 1933, in Cherryvale, Kansas, Garland was the son of James Edward and Hester Alice Helems. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a machinist.
On December 31, 1959, Garland married the love of his life, Sharon Gaye Johnston. Together, they raised two children, Lisa and Ronnie, and built a life rooted in devotion to family, hard work, and simple joys.
Garland dedicated 27 years of service to the City of Ponca City as the Assistant Water and Light Superintendent, from 1967 until his retirement in 1994. Retirement, however, didn't slow him down. He went on to start Helems Refrigeration, where he continued to work with his hands and help others with his skills and knowledge.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Garland found joy in hunting, fishing, and proudly tending to his garden. He also loved spending time in his shop, where he was always creating, building, or fixing something.
Garland was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sharon, his parents James and Hester Helems, and his brothers Eddie, Jake, and Donnie.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa and her husband Larry Pruitt; his son Ronnie Helems; 6 grandchildren Holly Pu (Brett), Michael Pruitt (Erica), Katie Hirsch (Corey), Anthony Helems, Jonathan Helems, Michael Naden (Katy); and eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and a life well-lived.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
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