Final inurnment will take place for former Lake Wales Police Department Captain Wayne Helm on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL where he will receive Military Honors.
Representatives from Lake Wales Police Department will be travelling to the service; anyone in the community that wishes to be a part of the escort is welcome to meet at the station on Tillman Ave. The procession will leave for Bushnell at 10:00 a.m.
Due to the lengthy distance to the cemetery, the group will not proceed with flashing lights. Those joining the caravan may stop and travel at their own pace.
The service will begin promptly at 1:30p.m.
Thank you to Chief Chris Valasquez and all of the officers for their roles in honoring Captain Helm.
For those who may have missed it, below is Captain Wayne Helm’s obituary:
Wayne Helm, 76
Wayne Helm of Lake Wales passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025 at his residence.
He was born October 20, 1948 in Lake Wales to the late Elmer and Lola Helm; he has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales.
Wayne was a retired Captain for the Lake Wales Police Department and served with the United States Army in Vietnam. He and his wife, Laura, were fans of the band Alabama and the University of Florida Gators. Before becoming ill, Wayne loved his cigars, going fishing, and playing golf.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Helm; and brother, Gary Helm.
He is survived by friends, Don Williams and Hurley “Sonny” Jones; brother-in-law, Kenneth Waski; many special nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and his cats, Peabody and Sherman.
