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Body Of Cantonment Man Recovered From Escambia Bay
August 2, 2018
The body of a 79-year old Cantonment man was recovered Thursday from Escambia Bay.
Donald Helton apparently fell overboard from a 17-foot boat where he was fishing with a teenager. His body was recovered in about eight feet of water.
Escambia Search and Rescue and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission took part in the search, including an helicopter from FWC.
Helton was a retired Ransom Middle School educator.
His name was released after next of kin were notified.
Comments
28 Responses to “Body Of Cantonment Man Recovered From Escambia Bay”
I loved going to Mr. Helton’s class. He was a great man, one you could look up to and see he had outstanding morals. What an honor it was to know him. He was ever so patient as a teacher. I was reading the comments above and I too will never forget his definition of “ENERGY-the ability to do work.” My mom and I went to visit him after I was long out of his class and his wife was having health issues, he was so loving and caring to her. I could only hope someone would love me in my lifetime like he loved his wife. God bless the Helton family as they mourn his loss. He is a loss to the community as a whole.
So sad to hear this!!!! He was mine and my husband’s favorite teacher EVER!!! Prayers for his family and friends!!!
I had Mr. Helton at Ransom back in the late 90’s and always regarded him as one of my favorite teachers I ever had. Condolences to his loved ones.
my whole family was totally shocked to hear about mr. helton my god be with him . we grew up loving and knowing Mr Helton he was amazing in every way a truly special person and pat his wife he maybe gone but never forgotton Godbless you sir
RIP Don Helton my neighbor and friend. I have never meet a kinder and more friendly man! He would do anything to help others! He will be surely missed.
Such sad news. We’ll be praying for the family. He was such a nice man. He’d wave and chat anytime.
As you read all the blogs you can’t help wonder what it’s like being so loved and admired. Not only was he a great teacher but also a great man. He was my 7th grade science teacher also and I have never forgotten the definition of “ENERGY- the ability to do work” that was on every test. GOD, you’ve got a good one that keep you in plenty of fish and hunting stories.
This man TRULY LIVED !
God bless you Mr. Helton , we will never forget you.
Mr. Helton was my 7th Grade Science Teacher at Ransom in the mid 90s. A true Gem of a Man. He would hold class discussions and we would engage in a learning style that is not what you see in most other classes. I remember some of those discussions and their content to this day. I remember him telling us about his fishing trip to Venezuela (back when it was safe) and he survived a heart attack that year. I hate that he’s gone. Heaven is a better place now because Don Helton is there.
Thank you Jan Enfinger yes Mr. Helton was a wonderful man and teacher had not seen him since I left Molino school I am a class mate of Adrian please tell him Karen Driver says hello.
He was my 7th grade science teacher in Molino School he was a great teacher and a good man sorry for his loss
I want to apologize to the young man who went
Fishing with Mr Helton. I know that this is hard for
You to go through. You should be proud to have
Such a man in your life remember the times you
Shared together and all that he taught you. Know
That he will always be with you. He wouldn’t want
You to feel any quilt. He would want you to go forward
In life and do the right things and make a great life for yourself
When things get tough in life turn to god and seek
Answers you need and he will show you the way.
My prayers and heart go out to you. And I hope
For the very best for you.
Don died doing what he loved to do. He was a good man – praying for Pat, Mike and family!
So sorry to hear this! Prayers for his family!
He had to have been the best teacher any student could ever learn from. Never a dumb question. He allowed us all to learn at our own speed and style in whatever it took for us to ‘get it’. God has definitely gained another angel. Cast away my friend in heaven.
Mr. Don Helton was a great teacher and sharing colleague of mine at RANSOM MIDDLE SCHOOL..his students loved him because he not only made science fun..he showed rhem all that he cared about their happiness and well being..YOU WILL BE MISSED MR.HELTON AND CRAIG EXNER SAYS THERE WILL BE FISHING IN HEAVEN,SO GO SNAG THAT BIG ONE!!
This family was my neighbors for many years. His son and my daughter were best friends all through school. Don taught my son and was the greatest. We are so devastated about this news. He was a wonderful man who was devoted to his family , his friends, and his students!
So sad to hear of Mr. Helton’s passing. However, he passed while doing what he loved, fishing! He was my daddy’s good friend in high school and his favorite fishing buddy. Our family has great memories fishing with Mr. Helton. He also taught my sister and I 7th grade science at Ransom Middle School. I know he will surely be missed. Our condolences to his dear family.
R Yuhasz how? My father is Otha
In response to Karen’s question, yes he taught at Molino then. My husband, Adrian Enfinger was in his class! Thought so much of him!
To: Debbie Yuhasz Lewis
Yes I’m related to the yuhasz’s In molino.
Mr. Helton was my seventh grade science teacher at Ransom as well he was a good man and with be greatly missed God Bless him and his family
Mr Helton was my seventh grade science teacher at Ransom Middle School, back in 1971.
He was an excellent educator and a fine gentleman, a positive force. He will be missed greatly.
R Yuhasz are you related to the Yuhaszs in Molino?
So sad to hear about Mr Helton I had him at Random Middle School
Did Mr. Helton teach school at Molino in the 60’s & 70’s?
As a member of Donald Ray Helton’s family for many years, I can tell you he was loved and respected, and he will definitely be missed. We are all very saddened by this.
‘
You couldn’t find a nicer man, better teacher, or friend anywhere! Such a tragedy!
The Yuhasz family has been great friends with the Helton’s
For many years. We all will miss his fishing story’s
And donuts. We send our love and prayers to the
Family. Take comfort in knowing he is heaven with
God looking down with his great big smile saying I’ll see
You again someday.
This is sad… I knew Mr. Helton he was my 7th grade science teacher. I also knew his son as well… praying for the family!!