Harold D. Helderman

Harold D. Helderman, 93, of Linton, IN, passed from this life on Saturday, January 15, 2022. He was born on November 10, 1928, in Knox County, IN, to Hugh N. and Margaret Helen (Wolfe) Helderman. Harold married Zelma I. (Hart) on December 31, 1955.

On December 7, 1941, Harold was 13 years old and delivering newspapers in rural Bicknell, when a neighbor came to take him home, Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Four years later at age 17, he joined the Army. He spoke often and with fond memories of his 6 years in Germany, 1946 – 1952. He was proud of his time in the 7708 War Crimes Unit. His last 3 years of service were at Fort Myers, Washington, D.C. He attained rank of Corporal while serving in WWII. After leaving the service in 1955, he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Zelma. Harold later worked for Bryant Heating & Cooling Factory in Indianapolis and retired in 1993 after 33 years of service. Harold and Zelma enjoyed their retirement in Florida as snowbirds along with family and friends. Harold cherished his time with his family, camping well into his 80’s. He had a smile that lit up a room and a laugh that was contagious. He was quick witted and loved to tease his grandsons. He was a member of the VFW Post #7118 of Linton and a former member of the Wabash Cannonball Camping Club.  

Family left to cherish the memory of Harold includes: two daughters, Beverly (Harley Taylor) Shockley of Camby and Charlotte (Vertis) Hardesty of Linton; grandchildren: Chris (Rachel) Hardesty, Nathan (Nikki) Hardesty, Seth (Amanda) Shockley, and Zachary Shockley; great-grandchildren: Questyn, Lillian, Adilynn, Lucas, Lydia, Levi and Norah and a sister, Judith Ann Phillippe of Bicknell.   

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Zelma (January 13, 2012); an infant daughter, Pamela Sue; a brother, Hubert Vaughn Helderman and two sisters, Helen Rebecca Jackson, and Emily Bear.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 21st, 2022, at the Meng Family Funeral Home / Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton with grandson, Nathan Hardesty officiating. Harold will be laid to rest in Sugarland Memory Gardens in Washington, IN, with Military Graveside Rites given outside the Mausoleum by the Odon VFW Post #9627. The family kindly requests that masks be worn.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Friday, January 21st until the time of service at 1:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight of Southern Indiana, P.O. Box 8234, Evansville, IN 47716. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

All arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.andersonpoindexter.com.