David (Dave) Helton joined his Lord on Thursday, April 6th, 2017. He was born in Lenoir, North Carolina in 1930 to George and Emma Helton, George's second wife. Dave was the second youngest of fifteen total children. He graduated from Gamewell School in 1948 and joined the Army in 1948. He was eventually stationed at Camp Hanford outside of Kennewick, Washington where he met and married Hattie Davis in 1950. Dave was employed as a Pipefitter in Local 598 for many years in various locations in the Tri-Cities. Dave was a well-loved member of the Hillspring (Cathedral of Joy) Church where he worshiped with his family for over 55 years. He especially loved helping with the plumbing, Koi ponds, construction of new buildings and teaching the 2-year old Sunday school class with his wife Hattie. Dave was an avid gardener and always had a very large garden where he grew more than his family could consume. He spent many hours tending the vegetable and flower gardens. He gave the surplus to anyone who had a need or would enjoy the produce. His grandchildren and great grandchildren loved harvesting produce from Papa's garden and will remember their time spent with him in his garden. David Helton is survived by, five children, Sherry (Marshall) Almarode, George (Sandra) Helton, Susan (Robert) Zaccaria, John (Barbara) Helton, and Tom (Patricia) Helton. These in turn blessed them with 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Dave also leaves a host of extended family too great to mention. Join us at a memorial service for Dave to be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, April 27th at Hillspring Church (Cathedral of Joy) 1153 Gage Blvd. Richland, Washington.