Richard E. "Dick" Helton

Richard E. “Dick” Helton, 73, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 2:37 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025, in the First Christian Church, 202 S. Broadway St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday in the church. Memorials may be given to Little Galilee Christian Camp, Clinton, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Mr. Helton was born on January 20, 1951, in Shelby County, IL, the son of Vernon “Jiggs” Helton, Jr. and Alice Ruth (Bare) Helton. He grew up in Shelbyville, IL and graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1969. He went on to graduate from Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL and Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. Dick was a member of the Illinois Army National Guard from 1969-1975. He married Toni Marie Price on June 21, 1972, in Shelbyville, IL.

Dick’s 45-year career was dedicated to serving the public. He worked as a Sanitarian for the Shelby County Health Department, Sanitarian for the Dewitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department, City Administrator for the City of Clinton, IL, Executive Director for the Bloomington-Normal Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development in Bloomington, IL, and Village Manager in Savoy, IL.

His clubs and professional affiliations include the Clinton Rotary Club, Savoy Rotary Club, Illinois City Manager’s Association, American City Manager’s Association, Illinois Planning Association, American Planning Association, and many others. 

Dick was happiest when spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid follower of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and University of Illinois sports. Dick was a member of the First Christian Church of Shelbyville. He loved his family, country, and God. 

He is survived by his wife, Toni Helton of Shelbyville; children, Kristi Marie Probst (Jason) of Park Falls, WI, Benjamin Richard Helton (Sarah) of Allenton, WI, Adam Douglas Helton (Christina) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Caroline Alyse Helton (Devin Scheidemantel) of Champaign, IL; adopted daughter, Britany Carver (James) of Urbana, IL; grandchildren, Simeon, Elias and Isaiah Probst, Elizabeth, Nathanael, Wyatt, and Harper Helton, Brigid and Henry Scheidemantel, and Jacy and Ainsley Carver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Alice Helton, and brothers, Michael Vernon Helton and Stephen Franklin Helton.