Stephen O. Helt

Stephen O. “Steve” Helt, 77, of Grove, Oklahoma, and formerly of rural Parsons, passed away at 2:14 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Stephen Orville Helt was born on April 4, 1948, to Elvin O. and Emaline (Marchant) Helt in Coffeyville, Kansas. After graduating from Labette County Community High School, he served in the Army National Guard.

On August 31, 1968, Steve and Mary Ann Dick were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Parsons. She survives of the home. Steve was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Grove, Oklahoma.

Steve began his career as a Tool & Die Maker in the aircraft manufacturing industry in Wichita. He moved to Independence in 1972 working for Automotive Controls Corporation for several years. Eventually, Steve started his own machine shop, Steve’s Machine Service.

In early years, Steve had a passion for 1955 Chevrolet Sedans. Later, Steve raced his 55s at Mo-Kan Dragway and greatly enjoyed the many friendships made at the racetrack.

Steve enjoyed lake life, which started at a young age as he visited Grand Lake with his parents. Steve, Mary Ann, and the boys spent many summers at Table Rock Lake where Steve continued his passion for owning jet boats. Over the years, Steve restored and sold over 20 jet boats, each one in need of engine tuning, rebuilding pumps, interior replacement, and paint jobs. In December of this year, Steve found and repurchased one of his old jet boats for mid-week adventures with Mary Ann.

An outdoorsman at heart, Steve loved hunting and fishing. Hours were spent trading stories with family and friends in Steve’s shop east of Big Hill Lake, and later at Grove, Oklahoma, where the fire was warm, the beer was cold, and the company was welcome. Steve, Mary Ann, and the boys spent time together on their farm clearing trails, riding ATVs, burning brush, and 4-wheeling in the duck pond. An afternoon of clay shooting always brought out a bit of friendly family competition. At the shop, Steve’s grandchildren grew to know their grandfather’s love for the outdoors. Many special memories came from watching deer together out of this shop window, hunting, fishing or enjoying an afternoon outdoors.

In the last few years, Steve and Mary Ann’s passion for lake life drew them to leave the farm and move to Grand Lake. Steve had a heart for animals, especially his rescue dog, Lacey, and his cat, Spooky. He recently told Mary Ann that it was time for another pet to keep them company at the house.

Steve’s love for his family and friends, his sense of humor, his passion for speed, old muscle cars, and easy afternoons of fishing are already deeply missed.

Survivors include:

Four sons – Kevin Helt (Heather) of Wichita, Kansas

Chris Helt (Kristen) of Grove, Oklahoma

Jeremy Helt (Lindsey) of Elm Springs, Arkansas

Mark Helt (Jessica) of Grove, Oklahoma

Eight grandchildren – Kain Sewell (Jayanara), Sadie Sewell, Lillias Helt, Alyssa Hall (Logan), Emma Helt, Jackson Helt, Elliana Helt, and Asher Helt

Three great-grandchildren – Cale, Prezlee and Pykelynn

One brother – Phillip Helt (Marilyn) of Coffeyville, Kansas

One sister – Becky Campbell (Tony) of Coffeyville, Kansas, and an extra special nephew, Justin

Many other wonderful nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends following the rosary from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Patrick Catholic School. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.