John Henry Helmke, Jr., 85, of Florence, SC died on Friday, October 28, 2011 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. He was born in Englewood, NJ on July 11, 1926 to John Henry Helmke, Sr. and Gertrude Rose Elling Helmke. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran in the United States Army, Signal Corps. He retired as a Sergeant Major. He worked in the United States Army in administration and personal.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret S. Helmke and a son, James R. Helmke.

Mr. Helmke is survived by a son, John E. Helmke and wife Peggy of Taylors, SC; a daughter, Margaret H. Watford and husband Don of Darlington, SC; a brother, Larry Helmke of Chester, NY; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton with Rev. Glenn Grant officiating.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 31, 2011 form 1:00 - 2:oo PM prior to the service at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice of Florence, P.O. Box 100511, Florence, SC 29502 or a charity of your choice.