Martin Helton Jr. of Perdido Beach, Alabama, slipped away from this earthly life to go to his eternal home, Oct. 24, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Perry Helton and Velma Hancock; and his wife, Hazel Ann Helton.
He is survived by his three daughters, Kathy Helton Danielson of Bastrop, Texas, Tessie Helton Carrel of Perdido Beach, Alabama and Janet Helton Havel (Randy) of Leander, Texas; one son, Doug Helton of Placquemine, Louisiana; one sister, Frankie Mae Baker of Pensacola, Florida; nine grandchildren, Candice, Kelsey, Cody, Brodie, Sam, Janet, Jordan, Jackson, Gracie; six great-grandchildren, Hunter, Harmony, Macy, Gibson, Xander and Silas; many other relatives and friends.
He loved many things in this life, but the ones he held most dear were; Hazel Ann, his family, being on the water and his music.
Dad was a self-taught, very gifted musician who taught his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless friends and family to play an instrument or sing.
He passed on his love of music and his love of the water to all who knew him. He would find peace when he was on the water, he would say.
He was a member of the Foley National Guard's 711th Signal Battalion where he eventually retired with honors. His circle of friends was vast and wide. He loved his "Guard Buddies" and enjoyed his time with them.
He coached Little League football, baseball and attended more events and activities for kid and grandkids than we can count.
He found a love for his second home in Texas where the food and music made him feel right at home. His gentle love and compassion was his greatest gift and he gave it freely to all he met. To quote a dear friend, "Martin was one of the greatest men I have ever known."
Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley, Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. Visitation is at 1 p.m. and the service to begin at 2 p.m.
Burial will be at the Elberta Community Cemetery, with a visitation and food at the Perdido Beach Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 2551 S. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535, 251-943-2391, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
