Ronald "Gail" Helfrich , 90, of Plano, Texas, formerly of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 4:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2024, at Lexington Medical Lodge in Farmersville, Texas.

Born on July 3, 1933, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the son of the late Garland E. and Georgia (Mosher) Helfrich.  He attended Larwill High School and graduated in 1951.  He continued his education at Indiana University for an additional three years.

On May 11, 1954, Ronald was inducted into the U.S. Army.  He served two years and was honorably discharged May 10, 1956.

In 1963 he married Sally Eckert.  They made their home in Dallas and then Fort Worth before moving to Plano, Texas. Sally died on April 28, 2022.

From 1952 until he joined the Army, Ronald worked for Grip Nut in South Whitley.  After his service, he joined Magnavox, where he worked for 20 years until his retirement in 1983.

Surviving is his son, Dr. Ronald G. Helfrich Jr., of Albany, NY; daughter, Cindy Jo (David) Smith of Warren, IN; sons, Todd Alan (Melissa) Helfrich of Rogersville, TN, Dennis E. Helfrich of Princeton, TX, Greg (Debbie) Helfrich of Oklahoma City, OK, Marc (Nancy) Helfrich of Dallas, TX and Todd Anthony Helfrich of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Helfrich, and sister, Gloria Moore.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2024, at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City, with Military Honors.

Memorials in Ronald's honor are to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.