Scott Michael Helyer of Mansfield, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025 at age 65.

Scott was born on September 30, 1960 in Amarillo, Texas to Ralph and Evelyn Helyer. In 1965 the family moved to Austin, Texas where he spent his childhood playing Little League baseball and golf. Austin remained home for several more years, with Scott attending the University of Texas, where he played baseball for two years and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering.

In 1988, he met the love of his life, Rhonda Richter, through a mutual friend while they were both living and working in Austin. They were married on November 18, 1989 and later welcomed two daughters, Lyndsey and Kelsey. After starting his career in Austin, Scott accepted a new job and moved with his family to Arlington, Texas in 1995. He called Arlington home until November 2025, when he and Rhonda moved to Mansfield, Texas.

Scott had a long and successful career in the electric power business with a focus on the planning and reliability of the high voltage transmission system. He began his career as an Electrical Engineer working for the City of Austin, and advanced through the ranks to ultimately become the Manager of Planning for the City. In 1995, Scott was recruited by the President of Tenaska Power Services Co. to be one of the first employees of that newly-formed company. Scott was instrumental in the creation of the business model for Tenaska Power Services, and that same business model has now led to Tenaska Power Services being one of the most successful power marketing companies in the country. Scott then joined Tenaska’s power plant development division, where he ultimately served as Vice President of Transmission. In that role Scott was responsible for innovative approaches to siting and connecting power plants to the power grid throughout the United States. As part of Scott’s responsibilities at Tenaska, he served on several regional, national, and international boards with responsibility for the reliability of the power grid, including chairing the members committee of the North American Electric Reliability Council.

Scott was well-respected by everyone who worked with him, and he was known for being fiercely ethical, fair, and honest. To his fellow employees at Tenaska, Scott was a leader, a mentor, and a brother. To his customers, Scott was a trusted advisor. To his competitors, Scott was known for being hard to beat. Scott retired from Tenaska in 2015, but he left his indelible mark on that business.

Even with all of his professional accomplishments, there was nothing Scott loved more than his family. No matter how full his days were, he always made room for what mattered most, showing up for games, performances, and everyday moments. He was always willing to spend his time helping his daughters with homework or practicing sports, spending hours playing catch in the yard or practicing layups at nearby parks. Later in life, even as he devoted several years to caring for his aging parents, he was always willing to answer a phone call or help with anything he could. His dedication to his family continued as he became a grandfather. As “Poppa,” he treasured his time with his grandsons, and took great joy in doing what they loved, from buying Hot Wheels in bulk to making scones and other favorite treats. His love was selfless, constant, and deeply felt.

His other passion included history, especially British and early American history. His parents immigrated from England before his birth, but he spent many childhood summers traveling with them to visit his grandparents and extended family. He stayed in touch with his relatives abroad through the years and brought his own family to visit as often as he could. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time using Ancestry.com to research his family tree and connect with newly discovered relatives. He also shared his love of American history with his family, and together they enjoyed many trips to historical Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia and the surrounding historical attractions.

Scott is survived by his wife, Rhonda Helyer; his daughters, Lyndsey Bierschwale (Kyle) and Kelsey Kreul (Stephen); and his grandchildren, Logan Bierschwale, Calvin Bierschwale, and Collin Kreul. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn Helyer and his brother, Andrew Helyer.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the Funeral Mass will be live streamed on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Please visit the link below and select Scott Helyer to join in prayer and remembrance.

Scott Helyer Funeral Mass