Randy Helms

Randy was born on January 14, 1956, in Stephenville, TX to parents J.V. and Ola (Thompson) Helms. The family moved to LaMarque before settling in Victoria in 1972. Randy graduated from Victoria High School in 1974. After graduation he began his 40+ year career in the oil field. In 1979, Randy started his homestead in Burton and began the journey of fatherhood with the births of his three children through the 1980s.

Randy was incredibly knowledgeable about his work. Even in his retirement, Randy often received calls from old friends and colleagues for his advice. He was an incredibly hard worker and passed on his work ethic to his children. He was a wonderful provider for his family and sacrificed to make sure his kids had everything they needed.

Randy will be remembered for his great sense of humor. He loved telling jokes, pulling pranks, and making people laugh. Randy was dependable and caring; his friends and relatives knew he was always there to help whenever he could. Randy enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, fishing, and hunting, particularly archery and bowhunting. He loved taking his kids along on fishing and hunting trips and teaching them about the outdoors. Randy and his closest friends spent many fun weekends taking trips around Texas, hunting for deer and other critters.

Randy was an incredibly strong and resilient person. He beat esophageal cancer 4 years ago, making it through the grueling treatments without complaint. He was glad to be able to maintain his independence after his illness. He enjoyed every day living on his Burton property with his beloved dog companion Josey (who just celebrated her 11th birthday).

In the last month, Randy’s health quickly declined as the diagnosis of cancer returned and spread throughout his body. He remained mentally strong and sharp as ever, retaining his sense of humor until the disease took its toll. Randy passed away on April 17, 2021, at the age of 65.

Randy’s surviving loved ones include: daughter Bonnie Epp (husband Theron, children Katie and Gabe), son Austin Helms (wife Valentina, daughter Ellie on the way), son Kris Helms (wife Amanda, daughter River on the way). Randy loved his grandchildren and tried so hard to hold on until his new little granddaughters arrived. He was very excited to meet them and he definitely would have had them totally spoiled in no time! He is also survived by his Mom, Ola; brother Warren (wife Donna); sisters Tami Wright (husband Ronnie), Rhoda Hewitt (husband Tony); dear friends and hunting buddies Mike Feland, William “Billy Joe” Supak and Roger Bolton.

Randy is preceded in death by his Dad, J.V., both sets of grandparents, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and other family members.

Pallbearers will be Mike Feland, William “Billy Joe” Supak, Roger Bolton, Hayden Hewitt, Ralston Wright, Seth Moses, Andy Helms, and Adam Helms.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, April 23, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 24, also at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Family friend Rev. Robert Krause will officiate. Burial services will be later that afternoon at 1:00 pm at Giddings City Cemetery, 1000 W. Austin St., Giddings, Texas.

If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Randy, please consider making a donation to a nonprofit being established in his name which will sponsor an annual father and son/daughter hunting trip to continue the tradition. The best way to honor Randy’s memory is to do what he loved best: spend days outdoors enjoying nature making great memories with your friends and family. The family will collect contributions through www.Venmo.com then to @Kris-Helms.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.