Joseph Helton, Jr., 85, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2006.

A native of Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of Joseph Helton, Sr. and Lillie Helton. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Walter Helton. He was a plumber and had worked for Local Union #108 as a pipe fitter in Ft. Myers, FL; was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran, a POW, and received an EOT Medal, Personal Unit Citation, and Combat Infantry Badge; loved to collect antiques; and was a member of Wells Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Mae Kuhl Helton; four children, Dan Helton of Ft. Myers, FL, David Helton of Jacksonville, FL., Bonnie Turner and Husband, Gary of Sparta, TN, and Nancy Govanns of Ft. Myers, FL; seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 22, at Wells Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Terry Dixon will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, one hour prior to the service, at the church.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Turner, Jason Govanus, Justin Govanus, Jason Meadow, Jackie Cook, and Wink Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wells Grove Baptist Church, 105 Wells Grove Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences available @www.maconfuneralhome.com

There are no affiliations for Joseph Helton, Jr.