Dennis Michael Helms, 74, of Glencoe, Missouri, passed away on September 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Dennis was, in his own words, "a South Side kid." He was many things—an athlete, entrepreneur, businessman, storyteller, husband, father, and Papa—but at his core, Dennis was a coach and a teacher. He had an innate ability to connect with people, see potential in them, and help them become more than they thought they could be.

Dennis attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a four-year starter on the football team, playing linebacker and fullback. He remained deeply proud of his teams, their championships, and the friendships that came from those years. He was also quick to remind anyone that he played for the Southeast Missouri State Indians—the Redhawks, he would concede, were "okay."

In 1978, Dennis married the love of his life, Catherine "Cathy" Helms (née Bartsch). They were partners in every sense—in love, family, business, and life. Together, they built a life characterized by hard work, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

An entrepreneur at heart, Dennis and Cathy owned and operated some of the first Meineke Muffler shops in St. Louis and became successful real estate developers. He later worked in national franchise development for MAACO and in consulting and legal collections before retiring in 2023.

For all Dennis accomplished professionally, he would tell you without hesitation that his greatest accomplishment was his son, Spiker. From youth sports through college athletics and adulthood, Dennis was there—coaching, teaching, encouraging, and watching proudly as his son built a life and family of his own.

Dennis became a trusted source of advice, encouragement, and perspective to his daughter-in-law, Chandni. Then came Ara and Shia, and Dennis became Papa. He adored his grandsons, teaching them about cars, reading books, play-wrestling, snuggling on the couch, and simply being there. To Ara and Shia, Papa knew cars, drove his truck, and loved the color black—"I like-a da black," as he would say.

Dennis was a gifted storyteller with an irreverent sense of humor and an unmatched ability to make a blunt observation that left a room laughing. He loved fly fishing, cars, machinery, Friday night lights, the St. Louis Cardinals, trips out West, and Star Trek. He loved his dogs Ralph and Sam and, later, his cat Bob, whom he dubbed his "communist cat" because, according to Dennis, Bob was always saying "Mao."

Dennis lost Cathy on October 2, 2011, after more than 33 years of marriage. The life they built together remained a source of enormous pride to him. Of all their successes and adventures, the family they created was what mattered most.

Dennis was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in June 2026. He fought the good fight until the end, surrounded by the family that had always been at the center of his life.

He is survived by his beloved son, Spiker (Chandni) Helms; his cherished grandsons, Ara and Shia Helms; his brother, Ronald (Karen) Helms; his brother-in-law, Roy Stueber; his nephew, Randy (Erin) Helms; his niece, Katie (Darren) Greer; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cathy Helms (née Bartsch); his parents, Coleman and Rose Helms (née Mooradian); and his older sister, Karen Stueber (née Helms).

Those who loved Dennis will miss the stories, jokes, advice, and unmistakably Dennis observations about the world around him. Most of all, they will miss his presence. He spent a lifetime coaching, teaching, and showing up for the people he loved.

Visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, Missouri, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Gift Fund in support of cancer research, a cause especially meaningful to Dennis and his family. NCI Gift Fund donations support cancer research through initiatives including research fellowships and laboratory equipment.

Friends and family are invited to sign the family's online guestbook at Schrader.com.