Jay Weldon Helmer, 23 of Merkel, found his eternal peace on May 23, 2018. Graveside services and burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2018 at Nancy Smith Cemetery in Glenrose, Tx. with Bob Jones of Merkel officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 on Sunday, May 26, 2018 in North’s Funeral Home in Abilene at 242 Orange St.
Jay was born on September 4, 1994 in Abilene, Tx. to Marquita (Menix) and Wesley Helmer. He graduated valedictorian in 2013 from Merkel High School. He went on to Tarleton State University and earned two bachelor degrees-one in Criminal Justice and the other in Psychology in 2017. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2009 and was a member of Troop 3. Jay was very involved in 4-H, Scouting, was a Meek Blood bank blood donor, and Wigs for Kids donor. He enjoyed camping and was extremely gifted in knot tying competitions. He also showed goats, sheep, heifers, and steers through 4-H as well as a Gold Star recipient and other projects. Jay was a consummate animal lover. Even after graduating high school, Jay came back each year to work the 4-H Petting Zoo. He had a way with horses that came through in the spring when the babies were born. This also helped in breaking horses during the summers and competing in Ranch Sortings and Ranch Rodeos. He also loved his dogs and cat. His true love was travelling abroad. He was fortunate enough to visit London, Paris, Amsterdam, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. Jay worked at Dollar General through college and went to work in November 2017 at the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office as a relief jailer.
Jay is survived by his parents, Wesley and Marquita Helmer of Merkel; brother Colt Helmer of Tulsa, OK; grandparents Frank Menix of Gail, Tx., Danny and Mary Allred of Roscoe, Tx.; and Polly Bonner of Weatherford, Tx.; aunt Cindy and Jim Grayson, uncle John and Beverly Helmer, and uncle Kris and Cresenta Wusterhausen, cousins Candice and John Grayson, Tamra and Jamie Hansen, Jenna and Chris Sobey, Ashley Helmer, and Aiden and Ava Wusterhausen. Special close family friends Carlos Benavides Family, Debbie Jones, and Rodney Williams.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Williams, Joey Allsup, Matt Allmand, Eli Wallace, Bryce Bevill, and Larry Bevill.
Honorary pallbearers are the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office and Eagle Scouts.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Taylor County 4-H Youth Foundation, Camp Tonkawa Summer Camp Fund, Texas Fallen Officer Foundation, and Wigs For Kids.
On line condolences can be made at northsfuneralhome.com.

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