Thomas Joseph Helmer, 71, of Du Quoin, Illinois, passed away on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at home.  Tom was born on January 20, 1952, to Peter Helmer and Margaret Appino.
Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debby; daughter Kendra and husband, Kevin Rehman, of Kampala, Uganda; son Matthew and wife, Elizabeth Novak, of Poulsbo, Washington; and daughter, Traci DeMarie and husband, Merino, of Du Quoin.
Tom will be missed dearly by his grandchildren, Jaden, Khloe, Asa, Silas, Phoebe and Daphne. They and others called him "Bumby," a name that stuck (much to Tom's delight) when a young Jaden couldn't pronounce "Gramps." He is also survived by his sister, Nancy, and brother, Dan, both of Du Quoin; step sister, Diane Fisher of Kentucky; and nephews, nieces and aunts, and countless friends who appreciated his sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and kind heart.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Helmer and step brother, Cecil Dorsey.
Tom gleefully retired in 2016 after a 45 year career in the coal mines at Freeman Mine, Galatia Mine, and finally, Knighthawk. He was a proud mine rescue expert and helped lead their team to a national championship.
Tom lived for spending time with his family. He hardly ever missed a sporting event his kids or grandkids participated in and was the first to offer up a game of catch or a round of HORSE on the basketball court. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing with his kids when they were young. He carried on that tradition throughout his life with Traci, Khloe and Jaden. He spent many hours in the woods hunting with Jaden as well and he loved driving the back roads of DuQuoin and Southern Illinois looking for deer and whatever wildlife he could spot. He and Debby spent a lot of time exploring the mountains, forests, and islands of the Pacific Northwest with Matt, Beth, Asa and Silas too and enjoyed meeting up with Kendra, Kevin, Phoebe and Daphne all around the country for adventures.
He was a generous soul who offered help whenever it was needed. He delighted in shopping for care packages for Kendra and family and spoiling his grandsons when he visited Washington. He loved to cook for his friends and family and was known for hosting an amazing fish fry. He took pride in his garden, sharing his vegetables widely. He could often be found wandering around local stores socializing with whomever was around. Tom also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and was a dog lover throughout his life, having spoiled and cared for Heidi, Sadie, and most recently, Kuma. He traveled to Japan, Italy, Austria,  Germany and the Caribbean.
Tom was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus and Ducks Unlimited for many years.
Visitation will held at Searby Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Mass  will be on Thursday, August 24th at 9:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Carl Schrage officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Perry County Humane Society of Illinois, the American Lung Association to support victims of Black Lung, or to the Vietnam Veterans Association to support Tom's family and friends who served and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Du Quoin.