Donald Helsel Sr.

Donald Allen Helsel Sr., 81, of Dinwiddie, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Southside Regional Medical Center. Born in Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Walter and Ethel Mae Frank Helsel. Mr. Helsel was a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer who traveled through- out the world. He was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, in which he started the Explorer Chapter in Colonial Heights. He was instrumental in establishing the first Petroleum School at Ft Lee. He was a member of the Petersburg American Legion Post #2, and the Forty& Eight. Mr. Helsel loved the outdoors and especially his dogs. He is survived by two sons, Donald A. Helsel Jr. of Dinwiddie and his fiancée, Diane Laslie, Douglas R. Helsel and wife, Tammy of Disputanta; nine grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery At Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, Virginia 23002. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Richmond Fisher House Foundation C/O Mr. Bret Wilkinson EIN 27-3852276300 Arboretum Place, Suite 660 Richmond, VA 23236. Arrangements are being provided by the Petersburg Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.