Steven Wade Helton

Steven Wade Helton, age 68, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Monday, August 25, 2025, at his home.

Steve was born on November 19, 1956, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to Kenneth Wade Helton and Cleo Barbara (Byrd) Helton. On November 2, 2000, he married Debbie Marie Beaver, who survives him. In 2001, she adopted his two youngest daughters, to rear as their own. Honoring his final wish, Steve requested that his ashes be mixed with Debbie’s, so they could remain together for all eternity.

Steve graduated from Center Grove High School in 1974 and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1978 from Indiana Central University, now known as the University of Indianapolis. He was also an alumnus of Indiana University since 2013.

His early years were spent at the United States Army Garrison Schweinfurt (USAG Schweinfurt), where he had the memorable experience of meeting country singer Hank Snow, who performed “I Don’t Hurt Anymore.” Later, Steve worked the land on the Helton Farms in Johnson and Monroe counties. Before his full retirement in 2023, Steve was employed as an LTL/TL Terminal Manager for E.H. Hamilton Trucking, which permanently closed in 2024.

Steve had a lifelong passion for working on vehicles, especially customizing and modifying cars, trucks, and motorcycles. He often spoke fondly of his beloved GTX that he drove in high school, a car that symbolized his early love for horsepower and craftsmanship. His enthusiasm for motorsports extended beyond the garage—he was an avid racing fan who attended numerous Indianapolis 500 events over the years. Steve also had a deep appreciation for precision and performance, evident in his admiration for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. A dedicated fan of football and basketball, he rarely missed a game, and his curiosity for the past made him a keen history enthusiast. Those who knew Steve will remember him not just for his mechanical talents and diverse interests, but for his unmistakable sense of humor and the warmth he brought into every room.

He is survived by his treasured dog, Brownie, a puggle, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.

Steve is also survived by his sister, Catherine “Cathy” Pettay of Roswell, Georgia; his brother, Kenneth Jeffery “Jeff” Helton of Greenwood, Indiana; his three daughters, Heather Ann Schott of Bargersville, Indiana; Tabatha Nicole Maher of Chandler, Indiana; and Stephanie Patricia Sweeney of Indianapolis, Indiana; as well as his son, Jamie Steven Helton of Greenwood, Indiana. Steve’s four children are the proud parents of seven grandchildren, who also survive Steve.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

In lieu of formal services, a memorial gathering with food and drink will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Helton home in Nineveh, located at 8384 S. Nash Dr. Additional parking is available at the Town Hall.

Memorial contributions may be mailed to:

National Psoriasis Foundation

1800 Diagonal Road, #360

Alexandria, VA 22314

Steve fought bravely against Psoriatic Arthritis for over forty years. Thank you for your support.