Joseph Ophiel Helm, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Ophiel Helm, Jr., age 84, of Ocean Springs, MS., died Wednesday, May 27, 2009, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Helm was born on April 1, 1925, in Gretna, LA. He was a resident of Ocean Springs since 1963. He married his wife, Bobbie Nell Bond Helm, on January 24, 1948, in Purvis, Lamar County, MS. Mr. Helm served with the US Navy, aboard the USS General G.O. Squier and was on the second ship to enter Tokoyo Bay at the conclusion of WWII, the USS Token Mine Sweeper, before the Peace Treaty was signed. He received the Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon ( 5 Stars), and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Star). He also retired from KAFB Civil Service after 22 years. Mr. Helm was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph O. and Annie E. Paillott Helm; and Martha T. Helm, brothers, Karl J. Helm and Earl M. Helm, sister, Annie Walton and a granddaughter, Valarie D. Helm. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Bobbie Nell Bond Helm, two daughters, Pamela N. Helm and Sharon E. (William) Wyers, a son, Joseph O. (Darly) Helm, III, sister, Elizabeth (Gary) Rossetti, two brothers, Dennis G. (Ruth) Helm and Louis P. (Shirley) Helm, and grandchildren, Joelle N. Helm, Savannah R. Wyers, Bryant D. (Kimberly) Klein and Joseph O. Helm, IV. On Monday, June 1, 2009, there will be a 10 AM graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery. The family would like to thank Hospice of Light for their support. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to ones' favorite charity. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.