Richard Painter Roe Sr., of Helton, a well known and beloved civic leader in Ashe County, died on May 26, 2012 at age 81. His service was held on May 29 at Helton United Methodist Church with close family friend the Rev. Martha Kinkaid officiating. He was buried in the Helton church cemetery with military rites. Born to James Edward and Stella Perkins Roe on April 5, 1931, Richard was one of four children. A 1949 graduate of Lansing High School, Richard went on to study at Berea College in Kentucky and graduated from Lees McRae College in 1952. He then attended North Carolina State University, where he met his future wife, Barbara West of Kernersville, N.C. They have two sons and two daughters and would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this June 15th. Richard was an active member of Helton United Methodist church serving as trustee, treasurer and Sunday school superintendent. He and remained faithful member all his life attending every service unless he had to be out of town. On many occasions he stood up on Sunday mornings to urge his church to help various families, the victims of home fire, medical bills and other overwhelming problems. Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1952-55 and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Later as a civilian he was an active member of the American Legion Post 275 of Lansing and participated in many military funerals. Most of his career was spent as postmaster of the Lansing Post Office until his retirement in 1992. Following retirement he was a part-time transport driver for Ford, Chevrolet and several independent dealerships and worked at the Helton precinct Board of Elections. He always gave generously of his time and resources to local organizations and worthy causes including the Blue Ridge Relay benefitting victims of domestic violence, Ashe County ADAP and served on committees of Skyline Telephone and Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp. Surviving immediate family members include wife Barbara; sons Richard (Rick) and wife Dama of West Jefferson and George of Lansing; daughters Kelly and husband Todd Southards of High Point and Jenni and husband Terry Elliott of West Jefferson; granddaughters Pamela Roe and Sloan Elliott both of West Jefferson; and grandsons Holden Roe Southards of High Point and Gabriel Painter Elliott of West Jefferson. Richard is also survived by two sisters Elizabeth (Lib) Glenn and husband Richard of Winston-Salem and Martha Goss of Lansing; sister-in-law Jackie and husband Lonnie Yates of New Kent, Va.; six nieces, five nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother James B. Roe of Columbus, Ohio and parents James Edward and Stella Perkins Roe. Richard touched many lives and will be missed by many. The family wishes to thank friends and church members for their prayers and support which has sustained them in their loss and to all who have offered their condolences. Memorials may be made to Helton United Methodist Church, 15125 NC Hwy. 194N, Lansing, N.C. 28643; or American Legion Lansing Post 275, P.O. Box 235, Lansing, N.C. 28643; or to a charity of choice.