It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Keith A. Helling, 63, of Mexico, on May 28, 2025, at his family home surrounded by his children.
Keith was born on January 17, 1962, in Washington, Missouri, the son of Virgil and Beulah (Borcherding) Helling. He grew up alongside his older brothers, Stevie and Butch.
Keith graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1980. Over the course of his life, he worked in various areas of mechanical work that included owning his own shop and working for Olivers, Sydenstricker and Freightliner. Keith later went to work with his best friend Ron Meyer, reconditioning pallets and drums for many years.
Keith had a passion for many things, he was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences: mechanic, farmer, contractor-he could fix or build anything.
The knowledge and skills he had acquired enabled him to make his dreams a reality and in 1993 he completed the full construction of the family home in Mexico, Mo. and in 2023 he completed the construction of a shop alongside the family home, with the help of many loved ones.
Keith was an amazing father and grandfather. He supported his kids and grandkids in everything they did and was very proud of each one of them. Keith loved NASCAR, gardening, being at the lake, piddling in the shop and most of all spending his most recent days with his grandson Rhyett, they were two peas in a pod. Keith loved spending time with his family, anytime there was a chance to fire up the grill and be surrounded by his loved ones, he was there for it, and more than likely by the end of the night, there was going to be a “Hell yea” shouted out.
Keith was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart. Anyone that knew him knew he would do whatever he could to help anyone, and his love had no measures. He was truly the greatest and one of a kind.
His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it's gravely felt by his entire family. Keith is survived by his three children Erica Helling and Demonte of Columbia, Jessica Helling and Zaquiel of Columbia, and Ryan Helling and Courtney of Mexico; eight grandchildren Latrell James, Cameron, and Brooklyn Lee of Columbia, Zander, Ryan Zaide, Kai, ZaKaiya, and Zaquiel Jr. Houston of Columbia, and Rhyett Helling of Mexico; his mother Beulah Helling of Mexico, and 2 siblings Steven V. Helling and Dwight (Sharon) Helling of Mexico.
Keith was preceded in death by his father Virgil Helling.
Visitation will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Arnold Funeral Home, with a Memorial service immediately following. The family requests memorial donations be made to your organization of choice.
