Helen Palmer Oncken

Helen was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on July 6, 1942. From an early age, Helen was a force of personality, winning Miss Nacogdoches and Miss Congeniality in the 1961 Miss Texas competition. From there, Helen began fundraising for George H. W. Bush, and went on to work with politicians on both sides of the aisle, including State Senator John Whitmire and Judge David Patronella.

Family was the most important thing to Helen—and if you knew her, you were her family. Helen met her husband Alvin in 1964 and they were married the following year. In 50 years of marriage, Helen and Alvin built a beautiful family: three sons, four grandchildren, and dozens of decades-long friendships.

It is perhaps cliché to say that a person lights up a room, but those who knew Helen know how well the adage captures her. Her parties were as unforgettable as her wit; her smile as warm as her homemade pies. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Alvin Oncken; her parents, Parrish Palmer and Dorothy Palmer; and her eldest brother, Edwin Palmer.

Helen is survived by her brother, Carroll Palmer and his wife, Betty Palmer; her three sons, Robert Oncken, Kent Oncken, and Gary Oncken; their wives, Patty Oncken and Jessica Oncken; her grandchildren, Lindsay Oncken, Alyssa Ballard, Austin Oncken, and Katelyn Oncken; and many dear friends.

Visitation will take place at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home on Thursday, December 8th from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Services will be held Friday morning, December 9th, at 10:00am, also at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Helen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org.