Louis W. Helwick

Louis Winston Helwick, the third of nine children born to Quincy Louise Winston Helwick and Eldridge Anthony Helwick on January 11, 1953, in Bay St. Louis, MS, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 72 in Gulfport, MS.

Louis was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, living in Pass Christian until Hurricane Camille in 1969 forced the family to move to Gulfport. He attended 12 years of Catholic school, graduating in 1971 from St. John High. He was a longtime parishioner and member of the Knights of Columbus at St. James Catholic Church. He worked for his father’s business, EA Helwick Electronics, for many years, taking over the business after his father passed.

Louis was a quiet, gentle soul. His kindness, his unwavering Catholic faith, and his unshakable patience guided him throughout his life. He was considered the “peacemaker” of the family- never judgmental and always forgiving.

Louis shared a close and loving connection with his nieces and nephews, who cherished him deeply, as well as grandnieces and nephews. He had an extraordinary ability to resonate with teens and found his true calling in his twenties, serving as the CYO youth advisor at St. James Catholic Church for almost 20 years, providing spiritual guidance, sharing his insight, and instilling Christian values during those awkward teenage years. He especially enjoyed their annual mission trip to Saltillo, Mexico.

Louis was fascinated with historical places and was very nostalgic about simpler times. His favorites included touring the Biloxi Lighthouse, visiting New Orleans’ French Quarter and riding the street cars, and touring the plantation homes in Natchez. He often took his nieces and nephews on these day trips. He had a remarkable memory and was the “go to” person in the family for family history dates and facts. He also was extremely knowledgeable about interesting historical facts that few knew about the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Quincy and Eldrige Helwick; brother, Eldridge Helwick II; his sister, Paula Vondenstein; and nephew, Eldridge Helwick III (Tre).

Louis is survived by his siblings: Dorothy Goad, Joe Helwick, Mary Quincy Winston, Lindsey Helwick, Imelda Helwick, and Rose Winston; his nieces and nephews, Steven Helwick, Sherry Losavio, Michelle Vazquez, Gary Goad, Jaimee Dorris, Chelsea White, Ashleigh Flaherty, and Winston Flaherty; and numerous grandnieces and nephews.

We send many thanks to the nurses on the North Wing at Driftwood Nursing Home, especially Teal!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 pm followed by graveside service at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, MS is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church in Louis’ name.