Douglas Dee "Bones" Helvey, age 55, of Devine, formerly of Hondo, died as a result of an automobile accident Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. Born March 6, 1956, in Nixon, he was the son of Frank Eugene and Marilyn Ann (Lambeck) Helvey. The family moved to Hondo in 1962 where they established the Hondo Livestock Auction. Starting in Little League, Douglas excelled in all sports. In high school the coaches took one look at his tall, lanky frame and coined the nickname "Bones." He graduated from Hondo High School in 1974, where he had been recruited by several pro scouts. He attended Sul Ross University for a brief time, but soon returned to the Hondo area to follow in his father's footsteps by working for Light Cattle Company, performing numerous ranch and cattle duties. After more than a decade, Bones became an independent cattle buyer for several companies. He was a straight shooter and well respected in the industry. This gentle giant was liked by many, loved by most, and hated by none. For the last nine-plus years, he and his companion, Karla Finger, spent many an evening hosting friends and family on the back patio. Surviving him are his parents; brother, Faron Helvey and wife Jodi; sister, Pam Thigpen and husband Eddy and Karla Rushing and husband Jack; companion, Karla Finger; and nieces and nephews, Lauren Jemelka and husband Bradley, Kandi Howell and husband Matthew, Stephanie Carlton and husband Casey, Ryan Rummel, Kelley Thigpen and wife Jen, Kolten Thigpen, Kade Thigpen and Rakel Brandt and husband Justin; great-nephews and niece, Mason, Dillon, Paden, Hudson, Lucas and Halli. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 16, at the Church of Christ in Hondo. Interment will be at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. Pallbearers are Charlie Villarreal, Jerry Hudson, Frankie Rihn, Bubba Light, Bradley Jemelka, Robert Smith, Abel Martinez and Tony Hackebeil. The family suggests memorials may be made to Medina Children's Home, 21300 State Hwy. 16 N, Medina, TX 78055, or Medina Healthcare Fund, Attn: Christina Garcia, 3100 Ave. E, Hondo, TX 78861.