Obituary for Stephen S. Helms

Stephen S. Helms, 68, of Topton, died December 31, 2021, in Penn State Health - Saint Joseph Medical Center.  He was the husband of Lori J. (Sonday) Helms.  They were married April 21, 1990.  Born in Williamsport, Steve was a son of the late Carl L. and Naomi V. (Smith) Helms.

Steve was a graduate of Loyalsock High School, Class of 1971, he went on to graduate from the Indiana University Police Academy and Kutztown University, with a Bachelor's Degree.

Stephen began working for Hurr Dairy in Williamsport, then went on to working for WMPT Radio, as a D.J. under the name Steve Herr.  Steve then worked for Zenith Corporation.  Stephen was employed as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, for 31 years until his retirement in 2016.  Concurrently he worked part time with the Kutztown Borough as a Police officer.  Following his retirement from the University, Steve founded sHs Safety and Training Consulting Service, occupational safety - fire protection and prevention- and incident management consulting service to businesses, educational facilities, and emergency response agencies.

Steve was a dedicated member of Fire Service nearly his entire life, beginning when he was in high school, he has dedicated 52 years as both an active volunteer and as a fire instructor.  His service began at Loyalsock Fire Company.  He has served as an instructor for FEMA/DHS from 1995 to 2021; Pennsylvania State Fire Academy from 1990 to 2021; Berks County Emergency Management Agency 1988 to 2000; IMT Health and Safety Workgroup / South Central Task Force 2017 to 2021; National Fire Academy Instructor; Berks County Haz-Mat Team Member 2002 to 2021.

Steve enjoyed Penn State Football and was a season ticket holder for over 35 years.  He also enjoyed attending the Little League World Series Games.  He enjoyed traveling, especially anywhere there was a beach or water.  He enjoyed gardening and landscaping around home and spending time with his daughter Leanda.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lori J., and his daughter, Leanda M. Helms, South Easton, MA.  Other survivors include two sisters:  Cindy L. (Helms), wife of Jeffrey Luttman, Cleona, PA; and Lana S. Helms, Palmyra, PA.  There are also two nephews and two great nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Stephen's life will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Arthur L. Hahn, officiating.  Inurnment in Union Cemetery of Bowers.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.  The family respectfully requests that masks be worn by all while attending services within the funeral home.

Click to View Memorial Tribute Video for Stephen S. Helms

The family suggest contributions, in lieu of flowers be considered in Steve's memory to National Fallen Firefighter Foundation at firehero.org/donations

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.