Donald N. Helms Sr, formerly of DeFuniak Springs, passed away on 06-24-2023 in St Augustine, Fl. He was born in Plymouth, Fl and moved with Family to Jacksonville, FL in 1941 when Don's Father was hired as a welder building Liberty ships for the war effort.  His aviation career began when he enlisted in the Florida Air National Guard, from which he retired as a Master Sergeant after 29 years of service.  He served as a crew chief on many different types of aircraft & saw the USAF make the transition from propellers to the jet age.  He also founded the FANG Aero Club, served as its President and guided the acquisition of several aircraft from Piper Aircraft in Vero Beach, Fl. He successfully obtained his Private Pilot license, his Commercial Pilot rating & his Multi-engine rating.

Don learned multiple aviation disciplines in order to gain flying experience. During his off time from the Air Guard, he served as co-pilot on a DC-3, flying cargo to the Caribbean. He learned aerial photography in support of real estate development, he began flying aerial banners for a company in Jacksonville. This experience, personal initiative and entrepreneurial desire resulted in him founding Aero Mobile Ad Company basing his operations at Craig Field, Jacksonville. Through his strenuous work ethic and determination Aero-Mobile Ads, grew to include at its peak, three owned aircraft, plus several leased. Common venues for display of aerial banners were the Gator Bowl, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the Jacksonville Beaches and for incoming U.S. Navy ships at Mayport. Later, Don adapted the "night light" electrical sign to one of his Cessnas which resulted in numerous "UFO sightings" over the State of FL.

Don made his career in Jacksonville, FL, later moved to Winter Garden, FL and "retired" to DeFuniak Springs, FL.  He passed at Community Hospice in St. Augustine, FL.  He was 91 years old.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn Sconiers Helms.  He is survived by his sons, Donald Norman Helms, Jr and wife Suzette, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL & David Leslie Helms of Alpharetta, GA.  He is also survived by two great grandchildren and four grandchildren:  Patrick David Helms and wife Rachel of Jupiter, Fl, Katherine Courtney Helms of Rockledge, Fl, Allison King of Marietta, GA & Jackson Helms of Atlanta, GA.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Friday, June 30, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 30, 2023 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Bobby Tucker officiating.

Pallbearers will be Don Helms, Jr., David Helms, Patrick Helms and Jackson Helms.

Flowers are being accepted or donations may be made to your favorite charity or church of your choice.

Burial will follow in Alaqua Methodist Church Cemetery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, with full military honors with the United States Air Force.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/