Robert "Bob" Edward Helton, age 92, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital after an extended illness. A longtime resident of the Fosterville community in southern Rutherford County, he and his beloved wife of 69 years, Betty Jean Walker Helton, worked for over thirty years at General Electric in Murfreesboro. He was a faithful member of the Fosterville Church of Christ.

Mr. Helton served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War as an armored tank driver and completed tours of duty in France and Germany. He was an avid lover of bird and deer hunting, outdoor work, raising cattle and growing vegetables he shared with neighbors, playing cards and watching any game the Memphis Grizzlies or Atlanta Braves were playing. He could often be spotted patiently sitting on a bench at local stores while Betty Jean shopped. He was greatly loved and respected by members of the Fosterville community and was always attentive and compassionate to anyone who needed help. He never hesitated to stop, talk, and spend time with those he met as he drove around the community.

Mr. Helton was born January 17, 1931, to Inez Helton Bryant (Charlie). He spent happy childhood years under the care of his aunts and grandparents, Hassie Mai Deberry Helton and Everette "Dick" Cleveland Helton. As well as being preceded in death by his mother, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Anne Helton Bryant (James), and his only son Waylon Anthony "Tony" Helton. Mr. Helton deeply loved and was devoted and dedicated to his family. Along with his wife Betty Jean, he is survived by his daughter, Dawn Renee Helton Baskin (Sam) of Walter Hill, daughter-in-law Martha McCallie Helton of Fosterville, grandchildren, Ryan and Brandon Baskin of Murfreesboro, Hunter Helton of Fosterville, Clint Insell (Jennifer) of Shelbyville, and McKenzie Insell Carroll (Matt) of Dresden, nine great-grandchildren, nephew Robert Bryant (Beverly), and niece Kaye Hanson.

Visitation with the family will be Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Fosterville Church of Christ with Carter Woodruff and Jeff Adcock officiating. Burial will take place at Fosterville Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Hunter Helton, Brandon Baskin, Ryan Baskin, Robert Bryant, Eddie Helton, and Bill Dickerson. The family requests memorials be sent to Fosterville Church of Christ, 11649 Bell Buckle Road, Bell Buckle, TN 37020.