Loren Duane Helwig

On June 11, 2021, Loren D. Helwig entered into his eternal home. Loren was born on August 14, 1941, in Englewood, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Elma Helwig, and his two brothers, Orland and Gary.

The Helwig family later moved to Western Kansas. For the next 17 years Loren lived on a farm or worked for farmers. He attended a one-room country school with one other student in his grade. The one room had grades 1-8 with, ironically, two students in each grade. Loren attended a small high school in a neighboring town. He graduated as valedictorian from a senior class of nine students.

After graduation, Loren went to work for a commercial airline in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two years later he enrolled in Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. While in college he auditioned for and was chosen to sing in the Revival time Choir, a national and international radio program. While in Springfield, he met the love of his life, Sherry Johnston, and they were married in 1964. They moved to California where Loren was enrolled at Vanguard University. While teaching in the Tustin Unified School District, he earned his master’s degree at Chapman University. In 1968 Loren was diagnosed with MS. In 1969 Loren & Sherry moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to work in the school district. While in St. Thomas, he became a charter member of Gideons International. During their 4 years tenure, their daughter, Anitra, was born. In 1973 they moved to Athens, GA where Loren was enrolled at the University of Georgia in the PHD program. For the next 24 years Loren worked as a school psychologist in the Clarke County School District. In 1975 their son, Justin, was born. Loren was an active member of First Assembly of God for over forty years. For several years Loren & Sherry have been actively involved in Nations Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry, of 56 years, children, Anitra Hale and husband Mark of Watkinsville, GA, Justin Helwig and wife Christy of Huntington Beach, CA, grandchildren, Hudson & Sadie Hale of Watkinsville, India Helwig, Taylor, Jordan and Chloe of Huntington Beach, CA, and several nieces & nephews.

A celebration of Loren’s life will be held at Nations Church on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Gideons International .

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.