Tommy Gene Helton, 79, of Liberty, Texas, and formerly of Vernon, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at Liberty Health Care Center.

Born on December 24, 1945, in Vernon, Texas, Tommy was the son of the late Forrest Helton and the late Rosie Covington Henderson. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his stepmother, Elsie Helton; nieces, Terri Jordan and husband Jessie Thornhill of Mont Belvieu, Texas, and Debbie and husband Johnny Theal of Kountze, Texas; nephew, Ty Helton and wife Avah of Fate, Texas; along with six great-nieces, two great-nephews, five great-great-nephews, and four great-great-nieces. Tommy also leaves behind numerous cousins who held him close to their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Forrest Helton Jr. and Don Helton, sister-in-law Doris Helton, nephew Brett Helton, and nephew-in-law Larry Jordan Sr.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Sullivan Funeral Home. Following visitation, a procession will take place to Eastview Cemetery in Vernon, Texas, for a graveside service beginning at 11:00 AM, with Minister Tim Moore officiating.

Tommy Gene Helton was a kind, joyful soul whose smile could light up any room and whose laughter was truly contagious. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen and remembered—he never met a stranger, and once you met him, you were never forgotten.

Tommy grew up in Vernon, Texas, but due to the mental challenges he faced, his time in traditional schooling was brief. In his later years, he moved to Dayton, Texas, to live with his beloved sister-in-law, Doris Helton. With the support of his niece, Terri Jordan, Tommy was enrolled in the Tri-County MHMR Program in Liberty, Texas—an opportunity that brought him immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose. At the age of 60, Tommy was finally able to return to school, a milestone that meant the world to him. Though he didn't have assigned homework, he insisted on doing "homework" alongside his great-nieces and nephews, always eager to be part of their world.

Tommy especially enjoyed riding to and from school in the van, a simple pleasure that brought him great happiness. Through Tri-County MHMR, he also had the chance to attend summer camp at a huge dude ranch, as it was the first time he ever spent a night away from family. He cherished that experience and took great pride in his independence.

Another highlight of Tommy's journey was his job at McDonald's in Wallisville, Texas, made possible through Tri-County MHMR. With the help of his nephew-in-law Larry Jordan and sister-in-law Doris, he proudly held a position there for a year. Whether he was greeting customers, cleaning, or making French fries, Tommy took great pride in his work and loved earning his own money.

In 2011, Tommy embraced another new chapter when he moved into a group home with friends who, like him, faced mental challenges. After spending one trial night there, he came home and announced that he was ready to move in. It was a perfectly timed transition, as his caregiver Doris also began needing more help herself. God's plan seemed to guide this moment, and Tommy flourished in his new home. He remained closely connected to his family, often spending weekends with them, but always looked forward to returning to his group home and continued attending school for many years.

In 2019, as he began experiencing symptoms of dementia, Tommy moved into Liberty Health Care Center. With the help of his care team and medication, Tommy thrived there. He became a beloved member of the LHCC family, known for "running the halls," attending morning staff meetings, and spending time with administrators and nurses who truly cherished him. They always had chips, candy, and his favorite music ready—his "Hot Music," as he called it. Several nurses even had his playlist saved on their phones so he could connect his headphones and enjoy the songs he loved. He was surrounded by people who made him feel like the star he was.

Tommy embraced every opportunity for joy—playing bingo, singing karaoke, crafting, dancing, attending rodeos and parties, and finding happiness in the smallest of moments. Though his Parkinson's diagnosis and the COVID-19 pandemic eventually brought his schooling to a close, the lively spirit of LHCC ensured that his days remained full.

Thanks to Tri-County MHMR and the loving hands that guided him along the way, Tommy experienced a full, rich life that blossomed in his later years. His family is forever grateful to the many caregivers, staff members, and friends who helped him live with such dignity, independence, and love.

Today, we find peace in knowing that Tommy is in Heaven—dancing, laughing, listening to his "Hot Music," and reunited with the loved ones who passed before him.

God bless you, Tommy! You were a joy to everyone and will be truly missed! As he would always say "10-4 good buddy, over, under & out!"