Charles E. "Bud" Helm

Charles E. “Bud” Helm, 86, of Shawnee Mission, KS and Longboat Key, FL, passed away Monday, September 29, 2008. Memorial services will be 2:00pm Friday, October 3, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Ave. in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 10580 Barkley St., #400, Overland Park, KS 66212 or the charity of the donor’s choice. Bud was born October 2, 1921 to Oscar and Stephanie Helm of Winnetka, IL. After graduation from the New Trier High School in Winnetka, he attended the University of Wisconsin and the Walton School of Business. Bud served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. After moving to Kansas City in 1949, he became one of the early developers of Auto and Truck leasing with the Feld Automotive Group, which was ultimately acquired by the General Electric Corporation. He purchased and operated Tri State Petroleum Equipment Company, and with a partner founded Tri State Tank Corp, Tri State Refueler Corp, as well as several leasing companies, auto dealerships and real estate developments. After retirement in 1985, Bud divided his time between Kansas City and Longboat Key, FL. Bud was active with the Jewish Community Center and the Players Club Association. He was also an active member of Oakwood Country Club and The Longboat Key Club. Bud leaves his wife of 30 years, Judith, of the home; his daughters and sons-in-law: Debra and Ernest Blachowiak, Kauai, HI; Cindy and Ron Coates, Kauai, HI; step-daughter: Elizabeth McCandless and her husband Scott, of Fairway, KS; step-sons: George Waugh and his wife Marcy, of Prairie Village, KS; Tom Waugh, of Minneapolis, MN. Bud also leaves behind 4 granddaughters whom he adored: Julie Blachowiak, Sarah Elizabeth McCandless, Mary
Katherine McCandless and Elizabeth West Waugh and a sister: Margery Ettlinger, of Annapolis, MD.