rvel Eugene "Gene" Helton, 76, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Friday (February 12, 2016) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Okel Homer and Birdie Luella (McFarland) Helton, he was born June 28, 1939 in Kirksville, Missouri.

Orvel is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Lois Helton of Brashear, MO; one sister, Pauline Lawson of Kirksville, MO; and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Lee Helton.

Gene was employed for the City of Kirksville for a number of years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and collecting antiques.

He attended the First Free Will Baptist Church in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday (February 15, 2016) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Robert Fredricks officiating. Family will receive friends on Monday (February 15, 2016) for one hour before the service.

Interment will follow the service at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.