Funeral Service For Walter Helmerich Held Friday Afternoon In Tulsa

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon for a Tulsa businessman and philanthropist who died earlier this week.

The funeral for Walter Helmerich III began at 2 p.m. at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church at 1301 South Boston.

Helmerich was the former president of Helmerich and Payne, a Tulsa-based energy exploration and production company.

He was also the sole trustee of the Helmerich Foundation, which has given millions to beautify the city of Tulsa, support the local schools, colleges and universities and health care facilities.

Read the Helmerich & Payne story.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, former actress Peggy Dow Helmerich, five sons and 12 grandchildren.

Helmerich was 88 years old. He died just two days shy of his 89th birthday.

1/10/2012 Related Story: Tulsa Businessman Walter Helmerich III Dead At 88