age 98, La Vista, NE. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Longtime Houston resident Carlos V. Helander passed away at age 98, Wednesday, May 9th in Omaha, Nebraska. Born in Ganado, Texas to Ferdinand Helander and Minnie Ebert Helander, 18-year-old Carlos moved to Houston, following the premature death of his father, to ease his mother�s burden. Intelligence and a strong work ethic, qualities that served him well throughout his life, helped him launch a life-long career in the automobile service industry when he leased and operated a Humble service station on North Main. Through the years, Carlos operated a number of Sinclair, Phillips, and Gulf service stations in Houston, the last of which was Star Tex on Westheimer (l987-l997), before moving across the street to United Transmission, where he worked until he retired in 2009 at age 94. Carlos also enlisted, upon receiving his draft card, in the Air Force during WWII, in which he served as a postal clerk at Ellington Air Force Base. In 1939, Carlos met and married Geraldine Pulliam, a union that lasted until her death in 1990, with whom he fathered two children, Jim and Diane. Carlos and his young family joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in 1951. Carlos maintained his church membership for 61 years; the affiliation was very dear to his heart. After his wife�s death, Carlos enjoyed fishing, frequent trips to Louisiana casinos, and cheering on his favorite sports teams in the companionship his long-time dearest friend Jim Parr. Carlos is survived by his son, Jimmy and wife, Lynda; daughter, Diane Reviea and partner Brian Ryba, lifelong family friend, Jim Parr, beloved Military macaw, Otto, and numerous nieces and nephews, with whom he maintained close loving relations. Ever optimist gentleman who never spoke an unkind word, Carlos inspired and was adored by all who knew him. Godspeed dear father, uncle, and friend. There will be a memorial service Saturday, May 19, 2012 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005. In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church, c/o Pastor Dr. Robert B. Moore, Senior Pastor.
