Marshall Edwin “Digger” HelmNovember 3, 1938 ~ March 19, 2018Marshall “Digger” Helm, 79, passed away on March 19, 2018, at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Bakersfield, California, to Ed and Lucille Helm on November 3, 1938. He grew up across the street from Greenlawn Memorial Park, which was established by his father in 1931. As a young boy, he would often cross the cemetery property at the end of the day to walk his father home for dinner. Marshall attended local schools, spending time at the California Military Academy in Pasadena and Brown Military Academy in San Diego before graduating from East Bakersfield High School in 1956.Digger was involved in competitive motorcycle racing from 1957-1964. He was a nationally ranked rider in both Flat Track and TT racing. From 1969-1977, he promoted Speedway racing at the Kern County Fairgrounds and was the owner of the Bakersfield Bandits. He announced races at local tracks and at his son Michael’s BMX races. From 1977-1979, he raced the #57 Circle Track Specialties at Mesa Marin Raceway. In 1979 he began announcing at the Bakersfield Speedway for Spud Simpkins, and from 1980-1983 raced the Coors Light Special #37 Pro-Mod. When his personal racing career was done, Digger spent years helping up-and-coming motorcycle racers with sponsorships. His reach extended to Bonneville as well, helping his friend Harry Garcia win a world land speed record. As a testament to their appreciation, he received many gifts of memorabilia from those racers, including number plates and trophies. On January 24, 2004, he joined his “motorcycling heroes” when he was inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame. Digger was also a gifted musician, playing every kind of horn instrument. He spent years sitting in with bands at local restaurants, including Matia’s, Maison Jaussaud’s, Casa Royale, and the Bakersfield Inn. Buck and Merle were personal friends of his. During the years that he raced, he always took a horn with him so that he could play at the end of the day. He spent two years in San Bruno, CA, where he played with Johnny Blue and the Providers and recorded a 45. Side A was “Crazy, Crazy,” and “Going to a Meeting” was on the flip side. Digger was also involved with wrestling in Bakersfield during the ‘60s as a timekeeper. The hammer he used belonged to his father, who had also worked as a timekeeper. His daughters, Sandy and Kristi, remember attending one of those matches and meeting the famous “Classy” Freddy Blassie, who purportedly sharpened his teeth with nail files.Digger was a very generous man and was involved with many philanthropic organizations. He was a member and past president of the 20-30 Club and a member of ATT (Aspiring Tycoons and Toastmasters), “A Service Club to Nobody.” He paid for the enclosures for two bears, Digger and Dart, at the California Living Museum, and in 2010 purchased a K-9 service dog named Niko for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. One of the saddest times of his life was losing his youngest son, Marshall “Red” Helm, to AIDS in 1996. As a result, he became a longtime supporter of the Bakersfield AIDS Project and Ricky’s Retreat, a local organization helping those with HIV/AIDS who need support and housing.Depending on who you ask, there are many stories about the genesis of the nickname “Digger.” Some say it was his ability to “dig” off the starting line. Others credit a 1948 radio show, “The Life of Riley,” and its character Digby “Digger” O’Dell, the Friendly Undertaker. No matter where it came from, it is safe to say that most people who spent time in Bakersfield knew Digger Helm. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lucille, and his son, Marshall Anthony “Red” Helm. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sandy Moffett (Greg) of Bakersfield, Kristi Lovelace (Hugh) of Oceanside, Michael Helm of Bakersfield, and Jayme Helm of Grover Beach. He also leaves his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many lifelong friends. The family would like to extend special thanks to those who cared for Marshall in his final days, including Donna Helm, Jimmy Owen, and the staff at Hoffmann Hospice. When he told the family of his illness, he said that he was “headed for the checkered flag.” We hope he can watch NASCAR from Heaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor either to the Bakersfield AIDS Project, 910 Grace Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305; your favorite charity; or support your local racer.We invite you to join us in celebrating Digger’s life. Services will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest, 2739 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93313. The visitation will be on Tuesday, April 3rd, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, April 4th, at 11:00 a.m. His Celebration of Life service will be on Wednesday, April 4th, at 1:00 p.m. Feel free to wear your favorite racing shirt or Digger’s favorite color, purple. Burial will be private. For condolences, please visit www.GreenlawnM-C.comGreenlawn Funeral Homes – Cemeteries – Cremations

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