Bert was born in Oakland, California, Feb. 20, 1929, to Pauline Fritsch Helm and the Rev. A.J. Helm, and died peacefully at home in Springfield, Missouri, on Feb. 6, 2017. As a boy he lived in Detroit, Omaha, Atlanta, and Rockaway Beach and Springfield, Missouri, where he graduated from what was then Senior High School.
Bert was self-supporting from an early age. He left home around 19 with a traveling circus (a fact only shared with his own children once they were established adults), and eventually joined the U.S. Army and served as a medical technician prior to the Korean War. He then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas, a master’s of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Tulane University. While in school he held jobs that included serving as crew on cruise ships on the Great Lakes, selling background music, elevator operator and night watchman at a bank, hotel night clerk, and supply pastor for a church near Austin, Texas.
After completing his education, Bert took advantage of an opportunity to return to Springfield, where he taught philosophy at what is now Missouri State University for 41 years. He contributed to the university community in many ways, including serving as chair of the Faculty Senate, and to his discipline, including as a member of the International Society for the Study of Time. In addition to many articles and presentations, Bert authored a book, Time and Reality in American Philosophy, which was published by the University of Massachusetts Press in 1985. The university recognized his accomplishments by awarding him Distinguished Scholar status in 1989. He was also active in the community, volunteering with organizations such as the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Camp Fire Girls, and served as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he and his family have been members since 1966.
Bert and his wife, Jeep, met on a tennis court in Austin, Texas, and continued to play for decades, both competitively and for fun. They also enjoyed annual hiking trips in Glacier National Park, as well as travel abroad, particularly to London and Munich, where the family spent the fall semester of 1975.
Bert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn “Jeep” Helm; daughter Kelly Helm Smith and son-in-law Kevin Smith; son Michael Helm and daughter-in-law Ginger Crabtree; grandchildren Catherine “C.C.” Smith, Brian Smith, Wyatt Helm and Gage Helm; and sister Donna Day. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Robin Claire Helm.
A celebration of life for Bert will be on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Ellen Brantley officiating. A reception at the church will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KSMU Radio, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.
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