Doug M. 'Doug' Helms, 81

Douglas M. "Doug" Helms, 81, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at the family home in Noxon, Mont.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2006, at the LDS Church in Clark Fork, Idaho, with Bishop Paul Trunell officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2006, at Lakeview Funeral Home.

Doug was born on June 15, 1924, the son of Warren and Thelma (Whitcomb) Helms, in Clark Fork.

He grew up in Clark Fork and attended high school.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 with the 115th Infantry in Europe. He was honorably discharged in July 1946 with numerous decorations including the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct medal, the Victory Medal, German Occupation medal, a Purple Heart and Sharp Shooter medal.

Doug married Merna (Rogers) Boni in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on April 18, 1964, and retired from Washington Water Power in 1986 after 25 years of service.

Survivors include his wife,Merna Helms of Noxon; sons, Douglas Helms of Spokane, Wash., Roy Helms of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Jay Helms of Spokane and Clarence Helms of Spokane; daughters, Maryruth Butler of Kellogg, Idaho, and Lynn Converse of Laclede, Idaho; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Whitcomb Pratt; and step-father Earnest Pratt.

Memorials may be made to the Clark Fork Cemetery.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling arrangements. Please visit Doug's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.