Paul D. Helmer, 20, St. Marys, died March 8, 2014, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 29, 1993, in Dayton, to Derrill and Deborah Rogge Helmer. His father survives in St. Marys and his mother survives in Dayton.

Other survivors include paternal grandparents, Sherrill (Kay) Helmer, Dayton; maternal grandfather, Dan (Shirley) Rogge, Dayton; maternal grandmother, Diane Daley, Dayton; aunts and uncles, Londa Heffley, Trudy (D.J.) Cordero, Louie (Lori) Rieker, Stace Helmer and Diana Donohoo; cousins, Joe, Meredith, Jamie, Chrissy, Nic, Didi, Gina, Angela, Shea, Amanda, Jeff, Mallory, Chad, Josh, Jordan, Ben, Chase, Eli, Helena, Jackson, Laina, Kenna, Dominic, Saffiya, Isabelle and Donovan; and many close friends.

He was a 2012 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School. He was an avid sportsman and a talented athlete who was involved in football and track, excelling in all he played. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and since childhood, he had been known to catch fish with his bare hands. He loved going turtle trapping with his friends. He was a hard worker and adventurous and loved traveling with friends, often embracing a spur of the moment road trip. He was an infinitely bright light to his family and to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his calm nature, sense of humor, generosity and loyalty. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. He was employed at Heitkamp Development Company.

Funeral rites will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home West Chapel, St. Marys, the Rev. Dr. David Willams officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where memorial gifts may be given to the family.

Condolences may be sent to the family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.