Danny J. Helton

Danny Joe Helton, 92, passed away April 1, 2026 in Topeka, KS. He was born July 7, 1933 on a farm near Holton, KS the son of Wesley and Maxine Helton.

He was raised near Holton and spent summers with his grandparents on the farm. He then moved to Atchison, KS and graduated from Atchison High School.

Danny joined the Navy and spent two years on a Navy carrier stationed at Sangley Point, Philippine Islands.

After service, he lived in Texas for two years and then returned to Kansas. He worked for Dupont in Tecumseh, KS in the accounting department and the power plant. He was one of the first 50 employees hired and retired after 35 1/2 years. He also worked at a Pawn Shop for 10 where he got to know the diamond and gun business.

While growing up, many stories have been told how much Danny could eat after working on the farm. Cousin Dorothy cooked many meals and says Danny would eat a whole chicken, at least 6 ears of corn, all of the trimmings and finish the watermelon. Danny had two younger sisters who he had to lock out of his room. They would raid his room and take his candy bars and comic books so the door was always locked. When he left for the service, he was so kind that he gave Gloria and Carol his candy bars that he guarded, they were “white with age” but at least the sisters didn’t get them. Most Sundays you would find Danny and his two sisters and families having dinner in Holton with mom cooking.

Danny’s “first love” has always been cars. The first one he worked for was a 1934 Ford that cost him $50.00. Six months later he came up in the world and bought a 1938 Chevy Coupe.

Danny’s retirement hobbies included spending many hours doing yard work, bird watching, his favorite are the Purple Martins. He had two pet squirrels and two ferrets. He loved to fish but never liked cleaning them. Oh yes – the computer; he had the latest and loved to browse for hours.

He was a member of the Masons Blue Lodge in 1980 and became a Shriner in 1981, VFW, American Legion, Orient Lodge, Scottish Rite and Arab Temple all of Topeka, KS. He belonged to the Provost Guard Unit and had served as Secretary Treasurer for four years, Captain two years and Chief for two years. Danny really enjoyed the people and the activities of the Lodges and Shrine.

Survivors include one son; two daughters, Peggy Szikles (Jim) and Juleanna Tesh (Timothy); one stepson, Randy (PJ); one sister, Carol “Mouse” Reichle; eight grandchildren, Natalie, Bryan, Ryan, Crystal, Anastasia, Nathan, Katie and Sage; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and beloved dog, Bella

He was preceded by his parents; step-son, Rick Adair and sister, Gloria Peterson.

Inurnment with Military Honors will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Bucks Grove Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is assisting the family with arrangements.