Michael Adams Helton (age 81), passed away in his home peacefully surrounded by family on October 30, 2022. He was born to Carter and Harriet Helton on January 9, 1941 in Dayton, Ohio where he was raised. In his youth he enjoyed many things, but most of all he enjoyed sailing boats. In 1959 he graduated from Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts after which he attended The American School in Switzerland from 1959-1960. He later graduated from Woodbury College in 1965 earning a degree in advertising.

See 4 photos

After schooling Mike embarked on a career in aviation which he loved very much. He learned how to fly at Van Nuys airport in California August of 1965 and was eventually hired on as a commercial airline pilot in 1967. He was a very accomplished pilot and eventually retired from flying with USAir in 1995.

Mike married his lovely wife Karen on January 2, 1974 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with five beautiful daughters. They raised their family in Virginia for 23 years. After his retirement, they moved to Utah.

Mike loved and adored his daughters and was very much involved in their lives. This included attending all of their sporting events such as soccer games and swim meets to taking them on bike rides and playing with them at the beach. He also loved football which included going to high school football games and watching college football. In addition, he loved sailing, working in the yard, and traveling with his family.

Mike was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including his favorite, ward clerk. One of Mike’s biggest accomplishments was his commitment to genealogy work.

Mike is survived by his wife, Karen, daughters; Tacy (Justin) Pugh; Lori (Adam) Halls; Jenni (Eric) Sohm; Heather (Sloan) Ellison; Amy (Brandon) Monsen; and 20 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

We would like to especially thank our Mom for taking such loving care of our Dad the last several years.

We would also like to thank the compassionate nurses (Hepi and Maria).

Viewing will be Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the River Ridge 1st Ward, 10124 South Temple Drive (1300 West), South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held the following day on Friday, November 4, at 12:00pm with a viewing prior from 10:30 – 11:30am at the same location. Interment will follow at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery 6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.