Walter Helmerich

Walter Helmerich
Born(1923-01-23)January 23, 1923
DiedJanuary 10, 2012(2012-01-10) (aged 88)
SpousePeggy Dow
Children5 sons
FatherWalter Helmerich II
RelativesCharles Francis Colcord (grandfather)

Walter Helmerich III (January 23, 1923 – January 10, 2012) was an American oil businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was born on January 23, 1923 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Walter Helmerich II, co-founder of Helmerich & Payne (H&P) and Cadijah Colcord, daughter of Charles Francis Colcord.[1][2]

He joined H&P in 1950, became president in 1960, and oversaw the company's growth into a multinational drilling company.[2]

He was CEO of (H&P) until 1989, when his son, Hans Helmerich, took over.[2] He was H&P chairman of H&P until 2011.[2]

Helmerich had intended to be a teacher, but in 1950 he met the Hollywood actress Peggy Dow.[3] His father persuaded him to got to Harvard Business School.[3] In 1951, he married Peggy Dow, and they had five sons.[1]

He died on January 10, 2012 at the age of 88.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Obituary for Walter H. Helmerich III at Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service". www.stanleysfuneralhome.com. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e Tuttle, D Ray (January 10, 2012). "Walt Helmerich dies at 88". The Journal Record. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  3. ^ a b Oklahoma, Voices of. "Walter Helmerich: Oklahoma Oilman & Philanthropist". Voices of Oklahoma. Retrieved February 10, 2026.