On November 1st, 1923, a very special baby boy arrived at the home of Tolbert and Elizabeth (Moody) Helmick. Leo Bernard was the 6th of 7 children born to this union. He soon became known as a son, a little brother, a big brother, a husband, brother-in-law, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. This list would grow further to include farmer, auctioneer, church superintendent, church board member, school board member, and a member of the Vici Nazarene Church which he joined in 1954.

Leo was born on a farm south of Vici, Oklahoma on land he would eventually own. Leo attended 1st through 8th grades at Banner School with his high school years spent at Vici Public School where he graduated with the class of 1942. After graduation Leo stayed and helped his father on the farm until he married Ima Jean Mercer of Camp Creek on December 13, 1952 at the home of her parents. Leo and Ima Jean made their permanent home in the Vici area throughout their marriage. They were blessed with three children Debbie Gay, Lura Diane, and a later special addition via adoption, Donald Lynn. Their family would continue to grow to include granddaughters, grandsons, and great-grandchildren. Leo was very proud of his family.

Leo always had a love for farming and auctioneering. In 1946, he attended Auctioneer School in Mason City, Iowa. After finishing school, Leo went to work with Deck Weeden, helping with farm sales. He later worked with the sale barn, starting as a ring man but eventually was rewarded with an auctioneer position. He worked with the Seiling Livestock Auction and the Woodward Livestock Auction for the next 34 years before retiring in 1991. During this time, he also held Public Auctions, farmed, and cared for his cattle. Leo never believed in 'skinny' cattle so he always made sure they stayed fat.

Leo made his peaceful departure from this life on April 25, 2012 while at home in Vici, Oklahoma with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by one son, Donald Lynn Helmick; his parents, Tolbert and Elizabeth Helmick; brothers, Deward, Chet and Lloyd Helmick; Sisters, Ruth Clow, Ina Clark and Ilo Ladd.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ima Jean Helmick; two daughters, Debbie Clinesmith and husband Mike of Perkins, Oklahoma, and Diane White of Vici, Oklahoma; One granddaughter, Tasha Brown and husband Russell of Perkins, Oklahoma; Six grandsons, Travis Clinesmith, Trevor Clinesmith and wife Jamie of Perkins, Oklahoma, Trent Clinesmith and wife Rachel of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Craig White and wife, Becca of Moore, Oklahoma, Chris White of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cory White and wife Schehera of Vici; Nine great-grandchildren, Trayton, Treston, Brooklyn, Blake, Brock, Briley, Trynlee, Christian and Kaison; Brothers-in-laws and Sisters-in-law, Lyndon and Arlene Mercer, Ron and Yvonne Mercer, and Wyoma Mercer; two special ladies who helped take exceptional care during his illness, Irene Brady and Sally Blumer; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.