Odis “Lee” Helm, 88, Lawrence, passed away on Monday, October 13th, in his home surrounded by his family and hospice team. In honoring Lee’s wishes, all friends and family are invited to gather for an afternoon of remembrance and storytelling at the Helm residence, in lieu of a traditional visitation. Please join the family on Saturday, November 1st from 11:30am – 3:30 in your favorite sports attire to celebrate Lee’s life as he would have wanted and hoped for – surrounded by those he loved, sharing memories together. A private family burial will be held later at Reno Cemetery.
Lee was born on October 19th, 1936, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He is the son of James Boyd & WillieMae Ellen (Dees) Helm. Lee quit school in the 6th grade to help provide financially for his family when his dad was injured. In his younger days, he worked odd jobs as a Groundskeeper, worked in a movie theatre, and for several years he worked from sun-up to down picking cotton with his family and shared those stories often. Lee was in the Airforce and lived in Texas, South Carolina, California and Alaska. The majority of Lee’s career was working and retiring from Lawrence Freight Line where he worked for the Black family. His greatest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life Lois Bouton on March 26th, 1955, she passed away in 2024. Lois was his soulmate, and they spent 69 happy years with one another.
Lee enjoyed camping and was a member of the Jayhawk Camping Club in his younger days, he enjoyed a night on the town dancing with his wife at the Shiloh Club, Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge. Lee enjoyed bowling, fishing, pheasant hunting, yardwork, & collecting barb wire with is son. He was a night owl who used to stay up into the wee hours playing Pinocle & Pitch with family & friends. He enjoyed Royals baseball, KC Chiefs & rooting for the Oklahoma Sooners & Kansas Jayhawks. He loved his family fiercely and had a great fondness for the grandkids.
He is survived by his daughter Lori Petrie (Matt Schmidt) of Baldwin City, Granddaughters Kari (Ken) Brungardt of Lawrence, Amanda (Kyle) Davis of Lawrence, Grandson Brandon (Chandler) Schmidt of Baldwin City. Great-grandchildren Brayden “Bray” Ballew, Faythe Brungardt (Henry Peal), Jackson Brungardt (Brooklyn), Lawson Brungardt, Cohen Davis, Nash Davis, Bowie Fuller. Great-Great grandchildren Kenzleigh Brungardt, Lily Peal, James Brungardt, Harvey Peal along with siblings Lavern Redford, Sue (Jim) McDaniel, & Brenda Kuhnert. Many nieces and nephews.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois Helm and his son Larry Helm. Also, brothers Oliver Helm, Monroe Helm, John Helm, & David Helm.
The family suggests memorial contributions made to Douglas County VNA Hospice, 200 Maine St STE C, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, 2040 W 31st St, Lawrence, KS 66046.
Lori, what a beautiful memory of Uncle Lee, loved listening to uncle Lee’s stories as a young man, he will be missed, Fly high uncle Lee, you and dad are up there having a blast Love you.
The world has lost a Great Man. Uncle Lee you are so loved and will be missed dearly.