Eugene "Gene" K. Helmick, 86, of Cahokia, Illinois, born December 5, 1939 in Salisbury, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Highland Health Care.

Eugene was the owner/operator of Gene's Auction Service of Cahokia, IL. He was formerly employed at Carter Carburetor in St. Louis, Mo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Gene was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elodia Helmick, nee Ramos; four brothers, Raymond, Lawrence, Alvin, and Butch Helmick; three sisters, Marie Phillips, Helen Wolberd, and Martha Cathey; and a great granddaughter, Alyssa Harper.

Surviving are his children, Debbie (Gary) Craig of Cahokia, IL and Kenny (Leasa) Helmick of Waterloo, IL; a dear nephew, Robert Record of Marshall, MO; five grandchildren, Gary (Sarah) Craig, Trevor Craig, Logan Craig, Kyle (Emily) Helmick, and Corey (Emily) Helmick; and eight great grandchildren.  He was also a dear, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.