Frankie Lee Helton

Frankie Lee Helton, a longtime resident of Lake Shastina in Siskiyou County, passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on March 23, 1951, in Kentucky to Elmer and Helen Helton, Frankie was raised by his mother and her second husband, Wilfred Kim Kam, a military man. His childhood was spent moving between bases, including several high school years in Germany. After returning to the United States, the family settled in the Monterey area, where Frankie graduated from Seaside High School.

In 1978, Frankie married the love of his life, Karen Lee Hale. Their marriage lasted until her passing in 2011. He worked for more than 25 years in highway maintenance for Caltrans before retiring to the peace and natural beauty of Siskiyou County. An avid fisherman who loved oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers, Frankie cherished the outdoors. Known for his stubborn, strong-willed nature, he was above all a deeply loving, caring, and devoted father who placed his family’s well-being above everything else.

Frankie was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, and his son, Eric Helton Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Misty (Ben) Lewis of Lincoln, California, and his seven grandchildren.