Gary Lee Helms, Sr., 56, of Old Monroe, MO passed away Monday, July 11, 2011 in St. Charles, MO. He was born April 6, 1955 in Steelville, MO to John D. Helms, Jr. and Goldie Callahan Helms. In his spare time, Gary loved to shoot pool, play baseball and pitch horseshoes. He also loved to watch football, baseball and hockey. One of the best things about his life was he accepted the Lord as his savior a few days before he died. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Goldie Helms of O'Fallon, MO; his significant other, Shirley (Setzer) Halbert of Old Monroe, MO; two sons, Tony Lee Helms and wife Nichole of Bland, MO and Gary Lee Helms Jr. and wife Audrey of Cuba, MO; two daughters, Sheri Strieder and fiance' Larry Emory of Cuba, MO and Kelli Simpson and husband Chris of Belle, MO; six brothers, Roger Helms and wife Selina of Cuba, MO, Larry Helms of O'Fallon, MO, Jerry Helms and wife Cathy of Floraville, IL, Eugene Helms and wife Jackie of Old Monroe, MO, Donnie Helms of Collinsville, IL and Christopher Helms of Granite City, IL; two sisters, Cher Daley of O'Fallon, MO and Sharlann Gaddy and husband David of Bolivar, MO; step-mother, Genevive Helms of Cherryville, MO; step-sisters and step-brothers, William Smith of Cuba, MO, Jeannette Massey and Roy Carrick and Darla Vance and husband Frank all of Cherryville, MO; eight grandchildren; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John Helms; step-brother, Johnny Thomas; and brother-in-law Joe Daley. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Don Mitchell officiating. Memories were shared by Eugene Helms. A poem was read by Sherri Strieder written by grand-daughter, Kaylie. Special music of "How Great Thou Art" and "Precious Memories" were sung by Darla Vance, Jackie Helms, Holly VanPatten and Vicki Davis. "Crying for Me" was sung by Kaylie Helms and Briana Helms. Other music of "In the Arms of Angels" was sung and played by Darla Vance and a CD of "Freebird" was played. Committal prayer and burial were in the Steelville Cemetery. Honored to be casket bearers were Tony, Gary, Eugene Jr., Larry, Jerry, and Roger Helms, Bill Smith and John Staszek. Honorary casket bearers were David Massey and Andy Helms. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO. Memorials may be given to the funeral home for burial expenses.