HELTON, Luke Neil

HELTON, BUCKINGHAM

Posted By: Conni McDaniel Hall (email)
Date: 10/19/2022 at 12:09:57

Luke Neil Helton, age 45, of Leon, Iowa, the son of Loral Lynn and Marilyn Joy (Buckingham) Helton, was born June 23, 1977, in Leon, Iowa. He died in Leon, Iowa, on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

Luke was born and raised in Leon. He played football for Central Decatur High School before graduating in 1995. A jovial young man, he was well-liked by his peers and voted Homecoming King. After graduation, he attended Simpson College for a time, where he also played football. Following in his father’s footsteps, he worked as a building and siding contractor for several years before pursuing a career in law. In 2013, he joined his sister to open Helton Law Offices in Leon, where he became a paralegal excelling in the area of real estate. Luke’s love of people and natural adeptness with legal issue were a perfect fit, and he dedicated the rest of his working life to the firm.

Luke was blessed with two children, Emma Joy and Graydon Michael, who he shares with ex-wife Sarah Jean (Regalado) Phillips. Luke was a dedicated father who loved spending time with his kids. His powerful voice could be heard cheering at Graydon’s games. He often shared his pride over his beautiful daughter, Emma, and cherished the time he spent with her. His devotion to his children was boundless, and he treasured being their father.

Highly intelligent and gifted with a ready smile, Luke possessed an infectious laugh and a booming voice that announced his presence. A true extrovert, Luke enjoyed meeting new people and touched many lives displaying his personality through fun, sincerity, and genuine caring. Outside of his family and career, Luke was a life-long fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. As was his nature, his loyalty extended even during the rough seasons. Every year, he enjoyed attending deer camp where he could reunite with old friends. His impact on all of us, whether lifelong or brief, was heartfelt and meaningful. This absence of him is already missed and will continue with us as we mark the days ahead.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Joy Buckingham in 2004, and Lynn Helton in 2014. Survivors include his minor children, Emma Helton and Graydon Helton; siblings, Joetta Frank and husband, Brian of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tonita Helton and husband, Damon Lampley of Ames and Leon, Logan Helton and wife, Vicky of Leon; grandmother, Rosetta Buckingham of Leon; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Leon, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, with Father Samuel Danso officiating. Burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery, Pleasanton, Iowa. Arrangements for the service handled by the Slade – O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa.

The Luke Helton Memorial Trust has been established for his children, Emma and Graydon. In lieu of flowers, we encourage memorial fund donations be sent to the Helton Law Office, 501 NW Church Street, Leon, Iowa 50144.