Lewis "Tom" Hellard

HELLARD, Lewis Thomas “Tom”, age 83 of Vandalia, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Tom was born February 4, 1939 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Caleb P. and Mattie E. (Sinclair) Hellard. He was a U.S. Marine Veteran and retired from the City of Vandalia Department of Public Works with 30 years of service. He also served his community as a charter member of the Vandalia Division of Fire with over 35 years of service, retiring as Assistant Chief. He was a strong supporter and fan of the Central Western Firefighters Association. Tom had a love of the land and enjoyed spending his younger days farming.

Preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters, Ruby Hawkins, Joan Borchers and Glenna Lofty, Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Linda (Bourne); 2 sons, David Thomas (Dr. Sandra Kroll-Hellard) and Bryan Lee (Dr. Amy Hellard); 2 sisters, Geraldine “Gerry” Helphinstine (Dan) and Candy Stephens (Richard); sister-in-law, Cheri Bourne; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, February 28, 2022 at the Vandalia United Methodist Church with Pastor David Elkins officiating. Internment with military honors will follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Morton & Whestone Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vandalia Firefighters Association in Tom’s memory.