David Alan Helmberger, 56, passed away peacefully on 1/30/2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. David’s strength and unwavering humor remained with him until the end.

Born on December 26, 1969, to the late Duane and Alice Helmberger, David grew up in a large, vibrant family. He was a 1987 graduate of Wylie High School and later married the love of his life, Shawnna Ann Rainey, in February 2007.

David was a man who truly enjoyed life. Though he possessed a "crusty exterior," those who knew him well saw a man of immense generosity who consistently placed the needs of others before his own. He was a "call to arms" kind of friend; one phone call was all it took for David to show up with a group of family and friends ready to help.

An avid outdoorsman, David’s love for hunting and fishing took him on many memorable trips with his brothers, nieces, and nephews. His family fondly recalls the time he mistook a live pheasant for a loose tail feather—an encounter that startled him so much he emptied his shotgun without ever hitting the bird. Beyond the woods, David was a talented "gentleman farmer" known for his skill in sausage making, canning, and cooking, the fruits of which he was always happy to share.

His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. His brothers remember his devotion clearly, including an Easter weekend spent driving all over Salt Lake City just to find a church for confession. David’s spirit was perhaps best captured by Joe Diffie’s "Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox if I Die"—a testament to his clever, lighthearted approach to life.

Nothing brought David more joy than his family, especially his granddaughter Lainey, who was truly the light of his life.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Shawnna; his son, Hunter Alan Meek and wife Mindy; and his cherished granddaughters, Kinley Brooklyn and Lainey Michelle. He leaves behind ten siblings: Patti (Lyle) Marks, Janet (Walter) Grinyer, Stephen (Katrina) Helmberger, (Debra Helmberger), Donna (Blake) Barry, Lori (Peter) Dunlop, Robert (Kristina) Helmberger, Mary Jo (Adriel)

Garcia, Charles (Bridget) Helmberger, Randy (Heather) Helmberger, and Katherine Helmberger. He is also survived by three godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane Charles Helmberger and Alice Frances Helmberger; his sister, Karen Sue Helmberger; and his brother, Joseph Edward Helmberger.

--

Service Information

Visitation and Rosary: February 26, 2026, 6 pm at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Wylie, TX.

Funeral Mass: February 27, 2026 10:30 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Wylie, TX.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: · Visiting Nurses Association:Plannedgiving.vnatexas.org. · Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society): Online or by mail to: ATTN: Gretchen Bock/Hope Lodge Houston, 701 N Post Oak Ln, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77024.