H.R. No. 25
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close
with the passing of Stephen C. Helbing Sr. on May 31, 2021, at the
age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The son of Ruby Couch Helbing and Dr. Arlington
Helbing, Steve Helbing was born in Barnhart on February 12, 1927;
his parents moved to San Angelo to provide him with better
educational opportunity, and he spent happy boyhood summers on his
maternal grandfather's ranch near Ozona; during World War II, he
served in the U.S. Navy, and he went on to complete his bachelor's
degree in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University; he began
working for Hughes Tools in Jayton, and his long career in the oil
industry later took him to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado; an
admired entrepreneur, he served as president of the New Mexico Oil
and Gas Association and New Mexico Landmen's Association; he
continued the family ranching tradition and also bought a farm near
Mertzon; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Helbing served as a New Mexico state
representative and Republican Party leader; active in civic life in
Midland and Roswell, he was chair of the Roswell Salvation Army for
many years, and he was an elder in the Presbyterian Church; he
formed a host of lasting friendships along the way and acquired a
large store of Aggie jokes from his network; in all his endeavors,
he was supported by the love and encouragement of his wife of seven
decades, Ellen Saylors Helbing; he was the proud father of four
sons, Stephen, Scott, Ross, and Robert, who honored him on his 80th
birthday by endowing a scholarship in agricultural economics at his
alma mater; blessed with nine grandchildren, he was an adoring
"Pop-Pop"; in his final years, his greatest joy was sitting on the
porch of his farm with his wife and other family members, telling
stories and sharing laughter and life lessons; and
WHEREAS, Although Steve Helbing is deeply missed by those he
left behind, they will forever cherish their memories of his
wonderful sense of humor and steadfast devotion to his family, his
faith, and his country; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Stephen C. Helbing Sr. and extend sincere condolences to his
relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Stephen C.
Helbing Sr.
Murr
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 25 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on August 30, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House