It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Paul Helms III, who left us peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul and his wife Denise share 7 children – Paul, Sherryl, Lara, Allison, John, Kristin and Kimberly and 14 grandchildren.
Paul came from a long line of innovative, generous, and compassionate leaders, possessing the courage and creativity that continue to shape the Helms Bakery legacy today. We are privileged to be the custodians of the iconic Helms Bakery building—a testament to the generations before us, who laid a foundation of community involvement, care, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The story of Helms Bakery is one that lives on in the memories of those who remember the sweet, warm aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air as a Helmsman drove by, the nostalgic “toot-toot” of the whistle, and the image of long wooden drawers stacked with donuts, breads, and pastries. These cherished memories continue to define us, an authentic family story we all hold dear.
A note from Paul’s family captured the essence of who he was:
“My dad loved words, history, sports, and people—because he loved a good story. Once he knew your name, your struggles, or your triumphs, he became your biggest fan. He never forgot a detail. Whether you were his daughter or a clerk at Albertson’s, he was cheering you on, with fist pumps and hollers, his heart full of hope for your big win.”
It is in the stories of our lives, in the connections we make, and in how we show up for others that we truly leave our mark. Paul’s legacy lives on in the way he touched lives, with generosity, compassion, and a true sense of care for everyone around him. His influence will forever be felt as we walk the same paths around the Helms campus, catch the scents of baking from the newly opened Helms Bakery marketplace, and gaze up at the neon roof sign from 1931. The remarkable journey that began nearly 100 years ago will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.
Thank you, Paul, for everything you’ve given us. May you rest peacefully and enjoy the pie.
