Coeburn, Virginia                                                         March 18, 2024

Arthur Curtis Helbert, age 67, passed away on March 16, 2024, at his home in Coeburn, Virginia, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Wise, Virginia, Art was preceded in death by his parents, Luther C. Helbert and Virginia Nixon Helbert; brother, Luther C. Helbert, Jr.; sisters, Margaret Smith, Dolly Dowell, Roxanne LaForce; niece, Daniella Short; and great-nephew, Theo Helbert-Fueglein.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Pam Salyer Helbert; his daughter, Beth Hubbard and husband, Derek, grandsons, Hudson Hubbard and Rowen Hubbard, and daughter Bailey Helbert and fiancé, Grant Bloomer; sister, Nancy Salyer and Joe of Castlewood; brothers, Jeffrey Helbert and Lana of Big Stone Gap, David Helbert of Coeburn; and many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He graduated from Coeburn High School in 1974.  He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp from 1974-1977 then was transferred to Marine Corp Reserves from 1977-1979. He graduated from Marine Corp Recruit Depot San Diego, CA and received training as a Bulk Fuel Man for Marine Aviation in Anaheim, CA.  His first assignment was to Okinawa, Japan at the United States Air Force Base-Iwakuni where he received his certification in US Customs Inspection from the United States Air Force.  He then was transferred to Marine Corp Base Quantico, VA where he worked in the horse stables for the horses that were used for various ceremonial events, training, and recreational riding.  He always expressed this being his favorite job in the USMC. While on active duty he also completed civilian educational course work at Santa Ana College, in Santa Ana, CA. In addition, he also received his private pilot license while enlisted in the USMC, making his first solo flight on October 13, 1976.

Thereafter, his dutiful military service, he returned home to Coeburn, Virginia where he began working in the coal mines and at the same time further pursuing his education and earned his associate degree in business administration in 1980 from Mountain Empire Community College and then his bachelor's in mining management from Clinch Valley College in 1984.

In 1985, he received his certification in Basic Blueprint Reading and as an Aircraft Assembler through AVCO Aerostructures Division in Nashville, TN.  He put his stamp on the wings of every B1-Bomber built from 1985-1987. He and his family moved back to Virginia in 1987 and he began working in the coal mines again for the next 28 years and retired in 2015 as Superintendent of Sun Coke mines in Vansant, Va.

Art was a dedicated husband and father, working diligently to provide for his family.  He loved to play guitar and often wrote songs and poems.  He was an avid reader and loved to watch Westerns.   He was smart, funny, and loved his family.  He taught his daughters the importance of education, to be independent, and to live life with love, courage, and respect. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with his brothers and son-in-law.  He loved to cook with his mother and sisters, and relished time spent outdoors with his grandsons.

The family is faithful, that his broken lungs are made new and breathing in the goodness of heaven, standing in the warmest sun with nothing but love, peace and rejoicing with reunited loved ones.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Sturgill Funeral Home 310 6th Street NW Coeburn. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m.in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bobby Rose officiating.

"In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts be made to the UVA Wise Foundation, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293. Gifts may be made online at giving.virginia.edu/wise noting in the "In Memory of" field, that the gift is in memory of Art Helbert."

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to sign guest register book online. Sturgill Funeral Homes 310 6th Street NW Coeburn, VA. 24230 in charge of arrangements.