Memorials

Harry Sheets, 88, of Jefferson Township, Whitley County, died at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Monday, June 16.
He was born April 1, 1920, in Whitley County, a son of Loyal Earl and Rebecca Olive (Mallott) Sheets. His formative years were spent in Washington Township. He completed his education at Washington Center High School.
He was united in marriage to Annettia Jane Hill. They made their home on a farm on State Road 14 in Washington Township. Mrs. Sheets died July 12, 1956.
In the fall of 1967, he moved to his present home on a farm east on State Road 14 in Jefferson Township. Since the mid-1970s, he has spent his winters in Bradenton, Florida, where he enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing cards and dominos with his good friends.
On October 14, 1978, he was united in marriage to Mildred J. (Dafforn) Young.
While he engaged in general farming, he raised cattle, sheep and chickens. The barn was struck by lightning, burnt to the ground and he was badly burned trying to rescue the animals and the farm equipment. At the time, it was the largest barn in Whitley County.
He enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle, which he road to Key West on his honeymoon with Annettia. He often showed off his riding skills and was quite daring to many as he spent many hours on the Harley with his three children. Boating at Big Turkey Lake and Huntington Reservoir on Sunday afternoons was a favorite past time. An avid mechanic, he could fix anything including cars, tractors, machinery and toys. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor and loved to tease. Many recall items rearranged at their front door step while away. He was a tough nut to crack, but mellowed and softened over the years, especially with his granddaughters, Kari and Karman, who could truly make him smile.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Mildred; three children, Kaydean Blackman of Columbia City, Harry DeWayne Sheets of Columbia City and Nancy Sue Sheets of Rhode Island; two step daughters, Margaret Ann Ross of Avilla and Janice Elaine Bozarth of California; two granddaughters, Kari Freshour and Karman Whiteneck; five step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; and several step-great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Wilson Sheets and Lloyd Sheets.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Community Foundation.

Messages of condolence may be left below or at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com