Obituary for Merle Helt

Merle E. Helt, age 86, of Ponca City, passed away April 19, 2015 at his home.

A visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Wednesday, April 22 in the Great Room at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am, April 23, 2015 at the First Christian Church with Reverends Larry Metzger and Roberta Shaffer officiating. Casket bearers will be Corey Bolding, Brad Brown, Zach Helt, Eric Neilson, Brent Lawson, and Shawn Bullard. Burial will then follow at the Resthaven-Sunset Memorial Parks in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Merle was born on September 13, 1928 to Emory Helt and Alta McChristy Helt in Kingfisher, OK. Merle was a friendly man who was quick to make good friends. His passion was flying. He bought his first airplane in 1967. The plane had been in an accident and he successfully endeavored to rebuild it. He spent much time flying and rebuilding single engine propeller planes and experimental aircraft. Fixing things around the house also provided him with much enjoyment. Merle was a charter member and former president of the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club and a founding member of the Northern Oklahoma Flight Academy.

Survivors include his wife, Cerita of the home, children: Jan Bolding and husband Roy of Edmond, OK, Terry Helt and wife Susan of New Braunfels, TX, and Mike Helt of Oklahoma City, sister, Betty Williams and husband Max of Crescent, OK, brother in law, Jim Herring of Oklahoma City, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, numerous nieces nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Marilyn Herring.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 210 N. 5th Street, Ponca City, Oklahoma, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home