Wayne E. Helms

Wayne Edward Helms, 65 of Skamokawa was killed in a traffic accident March 7, 2014, in Yuma, Ariz., after his motorcycle was rear-ended by a car.

Wayne was born Nov. 20, 1948, in Vancouver, to Dock F. and Mary D. (Moore) Helms. He grew up in Longview and attended Mark Morris High School. Wayne received a baccalaureate degree in theology from Triune Biblical University after also studying at Liberty University of Lynchburg, Va., Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash., and Lower Columbia College in Longview. Wayne was ordained June 16, 1991. Wayne also majored in commercial aviation, business administration and small business management.

Wayne volunteered with the Army in 1968 and served at Dak To and Phu Hiep.

Wayne lived most of his life in Washington, but in more recent years spent time in places where the weather was warm and dry such as Texas, Belize, Arizona and California, returning home to spend time with family before venturing back out in search of sunshine again. He was spending this past winter near Yuma at the time of his death and planned to return home sometime between the end of April and the middle of June.

Wayne enjoyed flying in his earlier years, was a motorcycle enthusiast for most of his life and had finally purchased his “dream bike,” a 2013 Harley-Davidson last spring. He enjoyed spending time with family and visiting with friends. Wayne gave freely and generously of himself to whomever he knew was in need and could benefit from his time, his wisdom or anything he was able to share.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Annette (Antonia Tomina Van Huystee) in Skamokawa; three children, Jennifer Helms (Olaf Thomason) of Cathlamet, Levi Helms (Jillian Weiss) of Skamokawa and Michelle Carter (Steve Palmer) of Newberg, Ore .; three grandchildren, Kelsea, Cortney and Luke; a great-grandson, Liam; a brother, James Helms (Rita Castillo) of Longview; seven nieces and nephews, and their families.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Billy Joe Helms (Valerie Peterson); an infant sister; and a great-great-nephew.

Wayne’s family encourages all who knew him and/or know his family to join them for a potluck celebration of life at 1 p.m. Sunday at The Inn at Skamokawa Landing, 957 Steamboat Slough Road. Please bring your favorite dish and your favorite memories of Wayne to share with family and friends.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma.