Oct 06, 1936---Sep 20, 2022

Billy Albert Helvey was born to Esther Clark and Leslie Helvey on October 6th, 1936 in a small home in the farm community of Hunter, Kansas.  He was raised in Cawker City, KS with his younger brother Jim (4 yrs his junior) on various farms over the years.  "Lessy" died after inhaling farm chemicals when Bill was a senior at Cawker City High School.  Bill's graduating class had a grand total of 13 kids and they graduated in 1954.  Bill moved on to K-State and helped found the Delta Upsilon house in 1955. After a few years in Manhattan he enlisted and served in the Army from 1956-1960 and was stationed close to Berlin. After returning to the states, he lived in Wichita for a short bit and then moved to Kansas City in 1962. 

In the summer of 1963 he was lucky enough to have his first encounter with a young MU coed named Helen Louise Potter.  After a year of courting attempts the stars finally aligned and Bill and Helen began their relationship which culminated in a marriage of 57 years.  Throughout his life Bill had a constant love of friends and family, K-State football, social gatherings and all around fun. From selling real estate, to traveling across Europe, Bill and Helen made sure to enjoy the short time we're all given in this life.  Bill would want nothing more than for everyone to celebrate his life and raise a glass with a smile but very few tears.  Thanks to all his friends and family for the well wishes.  Any donations made on Bill's behalf can be made to https://www.alz.org/kansascity



Condolences

Tom and Diana Gibbs Sep 23, 2022

Best friends for 49 years ,Overland Park, Kansas 66221 ,Kansas

Dear Helen, We are so sorry to have lost our good friend Bill. So many fun times together. We know he is back to his happy self with family and friends. Love you, Tom and Diana

Chris Calcara Sep 25, 2022

former client ,KC ,Missouri

So sorry to read about Bill's passing. Bill was my realtor for years and in several purchase and sale transactions. Always knowledgeable, kind and fatherly in his honest and professional dealings with me. My sincere condolences, Mrs. Helvey, who he often spoke of affectionately.

Dennis Blankenship Sep 25, 2022

Neighbors ,Olathe ,Kansas

Bill was the greatest neighbor that I ever had. Bill and Helen were a fun couple and we are so sad to hear of bill’s passing. He will be missed. RIP

Barbara Kritzler Sep 25, 2022

Helen, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. He was such a gentleman and I will miss seeing him in the front yard. With Love, Barbara

William A. Buchanan Sep 25, 2022

Army friend ,Berwyn ,Pennsylvania

Bill and I were roommates together in Rothwesten, Germany (319th US ASA Battalion). Bill was the President of the enlisted club there and organized many great entertainment events there. He was also a very popular person. We became life-long friends. Bill and Helen came to Pennsylvania to visit us just a couple years ago. I will miss him and his friendship greatly. If I were a little healthier, I would have tried to travel to Kansas city for his funeral.

Jan Alley Sep 26, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Helen, I am so sorry to hear about Bill, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Jan Alley

Dick & Sandy Russell Sep 26, 2022

Friends ,Naples ,Florida

Dear Friend, So many great memories. First in Rothwesten, Germany; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Naples,Florida and others. First with you and later with you and Helen. Rest well our friend.

Carol Wollenberg Sep 26, 2022

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Thinking of you as you celebrate the life of Bill. Always fond memories of times spent playing bridge in your and Bill's home.

Don and Robbie Hill Sep 26, 2022

Fraternity brother and friends ,Emporia ,Kansas

I met Bill as a Delta Upsilon pledge in the fall of 1965. For the next 10 years it was my good fortune to know Bill better and work with him as an undergraduate and later as a fellow Alumni Board member. Bill was a blessing to me and I consider him as a wonderful early mentor. The ready smile, his fun loving nature, and his words of wisdom and support were always welcome. Getting acquainted with his Missouri Tiger bride was certainly a bonus. Rest in peace Brother Bill!

Frank York Sep 29, 2022

Friend ,Ashland ,Kansas

On behalf of the Alumni of the KSU chapter of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, please accept our sincere condolences. Bill is recognized on the new Ring Of Honor in our new library as he was a huge guiding factor in our early formative years and contributed greatly to the success of DU. He was a great brother.

Jibril Scott Oct 04, 2022

Condolences from my family and I to you guys family!

Chris Collins Oct 06, 2022

REALTOR / Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My condolences to the family. I was honored to have known Bill and to call him friend. It was always a great transaction with Bill as he was attentive to the needs of his client but always looking for a win-win for all parties. The world needs more folks like Bill...

RJ Meitner Oct 18, 2022

Friend and co worker ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

My condolences to the family on Bill's passing. I remember Bill as always up beat and with a big smile. He enjoyed helping families find the right home or helping in selling their existing home. RIP Bill

Judy Zimmerman Oct 26, 2022

Realtor Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Bill was a very kind gentle man. We worked together in real estate during the mid 80’s. He was always a pleasure to be around and will be missed.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Sep 27, 2022
Time:
9:00 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Memorial Service
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia St.
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Sep 27, 2022
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: