Gary Kent Helmcamp

Gary Helmcamp, age 72, of Buffalo, Texas, greeted his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 following a brief illness. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 A.M., Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Jewett Civic Center in Jewett, Texas. Rev. Richard Gillet will officiate the service. Interment will be in the Buffalo Cemetery in Buffalo, Texas. The Helmcamp family will receive friends at Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.

Gary Kent Helmcamp was born August 13, 1947 in Goose Creek, Texas. He was one of three boys to parents, Leon & Bessie M. (Dillard) Helmcamp. He was a member of the Air National Guard of Texas and a reserve of the Air Force for six years. Gary moved to Leon County from Channelview in 1972 where he remained a resident until his passing.

Throughout Gary’s life he achieved numerous accomplishments, but he considered none greater than his marriage to his wife and love of his life, Susan, for over fifty years. Gary was the backbone of his family, and he continuously kept God the main priority in his life. He was also the family handyman. No matter what was thrown at him Gary found a way to get it completed. He also never met a stranger. Gary never failed to extend copious volumes of joy and laughter to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Gary was a supervisor at Nucor Steel in Jewett, Texas for twenty-eight years and President of the S.P.J.S.T. for eighteen years. He was a member of the Antique Car Club. Gary was a 3rd Degree Master Mason; a Shriner and member of the Shriner Jesters and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and York Rite member. He was awarded the highest honor in the Masonic Lodge, the Golden Trowel Award, as well as, the Karem Shrine Honor for his sustained superior support and generosity. Gary maintained his membership through the Buffalo Masonic Lodge 554 A.F. and A.M. He was also a Patron of the Buffalo Chapter No. 157 Order of the Eastern Star. Gary was not only a dedicated member of these organizations, but he truly believed and lived by their oath.

During Gary’s time away from work and organizational meetings he enjoyed playing the piano, working on old cars and was an avid distiller. He was also a clock smith and butcher. Gary liked travelling, gardening, working on his ranch and was a historian.

Gary was preceded in death by both of his parents and brother, Allen Leon Helmcamp. He is survived by his wife, Jana Susan Helmcamp; sons, Kent Allen Helmcamp and Gary Leon Rudolph “Rusty” Helmcamp (Brandy); brother, Jack Helmcamp (Karen); sister-in-law, Elaine Helmcamp; grandchildren, Shelby Fields, Dalton Helmcamp (Lauryn), Lauren Helmcamp, Colton Weiler (fiancé, Ashley Neuman), Nathan Helmcamp, Marybeth Helmcamp, Savannah Helmcamp and Hagen Helmcamp; great-grandchildren, Niah, Sutton Helmcamp and Konnor Helmcamp along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo, Texas.