Andrew Uriah Helton, the son of Dow and Virgie (Patterson) Helton, was born September 3, 1934 in a log cabin in Shannon County, Missouri, a few miles east of Summersville. He passed away at Willow Care Nursing Home in Willow Springs, Missouri on December 20, 2025 at 91 years of age.
Andy was united in marriage to Alma Jean Smotherman (Frye) on February 27, 1954 in Summersville, Missouri. To their union, seven children were born: Sherry Rosenbum (Donny), Joyce Peifer (Donald), Robin Spacek (Butch), Brenda Duncan (Tom), Kevin Helton (Karen), Melissa Plowman (Steve), and Shawna Helton.
Andy attended Inwood and Pine Grove schools, as well as Knob Hill school near Thomasville. He finished his high school years at Summersville High School
He has been a member of Fundamental Bible Baptist Church for many years, where he was saved and then baptized at Pebble Dam on the Jacks Fork River.
Andy enjoyed his career as a truck driver. He met many people and made a lot of friends. He was known by his CB handle “Missouri Kid.” He always had a love for horses, which he shared with everyone around him. He rode in horse shows, trail rides, and often just the backroads with family and friends. Andy liked to go fishing later in life as well.
Andy and Jean’s little Yorkie dog, Sassi, was the light of both their lives and Sassi spent a lot of time relaxing in the recliner with him.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Joyce Peifer (2012) and Melissa Plowman (2022); son-in-law, Butch Spacek (2024); parents, Dow Helton (1966) and Virgie Helton (1994); and a brother, Bert Helton (2007) as well as his in-laws, Ed and Pauline Frye.
Andy is survived by his wife, Alma Jean Helton; daughters, Sherry, Robin, Brenda and Shawna; son, Kevin; 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren.
Donations in Andy’s memory may be made to the Summersville Senior Center.
