Robert L. Helmond

Robert L. Helmond, 92, of Plainfield, passed away August 16, 2022.  He was born December 2, 1929 to the late Fredrick and Louise (McDole) Helmond in Lafayette, IN.  He was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War.  He worked at Lilly Industrial Coatings in the traffic department and customer service for 30 years retiring in 1991.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Plainfield.  Bob had worked long and hard during his employment years and so retirement was for relaxing.  He did not have many hobbies.  He was known for family photography and could always be found at events with a camera around his neck.  He loved caring for "Helmond Park" in the backyard; in summer his free time was spent "over the hill."  As his hearing worsened, Closed Captioning was his best friend and he never wavered in his faith in the ever-disappointing Cincinnati Reds, inconsistent Pacers, young Hoosiers and Phil Mickelson.  Bob was first and foremost a family man.  Throughout his life, he remained devoted to his parents Fred and Lou, and his brother Fritz.  His relations included the extensive McDole clan and nearly doubled when he married Jean and entered into the Hankins extended family.  His children (Lynn, Kathy, Mark, Laura and Eric) were never far from his thoughts and as their families expanded, grandchildren and greats were a source of pride and care.  His love was only exceeded by the affections and admiration they returned.  Bob is survived by his wife, Emma Jean (Hankins) Helmond; three daughters, Lynn (Gary) Dunn, Kathy Tyson and Laura (Mike) Carter; two sons, Mark and Eric Helmond; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in the Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, where friends may call on Tuesday from 11:00 am until service time at 2:00 pm.  Burial with military honors will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield.