Traverse City, Michigan
BUCKLEY — Dean Floyd Sheets, 87, of Buckley, died Sunday, July 16, 2006, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. He was born June 20, 1919, in Grant Township, to Floyd and Lulu (Johnson) Sheets.
Dean served his country in the Army Air Corps as a transport pilot during World War II. Upon returning to the United States, he worked as a farmer for many years, as well as being employed by Farm Bureau Service. He also managed Eggs Incorporated, was employed by Wayne Feed Incorporated, and was the Grand Traverse County Treasurer for 10 years. In addition, he served on the Buckley School Board, was the sexton of Grant Township Cemetery, and served as the township supervisor.
Dean was a lifelong member of Grant United Methodist Church, and took pride in being the oldest member of the church. Over the years he was very active in many activities at the church. He enjoyed many hobbies, including golfing, hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, traveling, playing the piano and cards.
Dean is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Susan (Duane) Runyon; sons, Allen Sheets and Grant (Loretta) Sheets; stepdaughter, Joanne (Al) Rikli; stepsons, Doug (Louise) Haines, Steven (Carolyn) Haines and Donald (Cheryl) Haines; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, David Haines; and one granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Grant United Methodist Church, with Pastor Carl Greene and Pastor Jim Breithaupt officiating. Interment will follow in Grant Township Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday, July 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions in memory of Dean to Grant United Methodist Church, 10999 Zue Road, Buckley, MI 49620; or Grand Traverse Pavilions 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kingsley Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
I was so sorry to learn of Dean's passing. He hired me to work in the County Treasurer's Office in March of 1979. I quickly grew to know Dean as hard working, honest, fair and kind. He will always live on in my memory as one of the most genuine individuals I have known. My prayers for comfort go out to Carol and the rest of Dean's family.
Marsha Jurgensen
July 24, 2006 | Kingsley, MI
We're sorry for your loss. Dean was a vibrant and enthusiastic member of the Grant UMC when we were there, and his absence must be palpable. He was also a strong presence in his family, so things must feel very, very different. We understand that he was at the Pavilions for some time following a stroke. His care there must have been superb. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Beverly Prestwood-Taylor
July 23, 2006 | Hardwick, MA
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father, Dean. There are so many memories of him, and all your family. While growing up, your home was like my second home, and family. I know what you're feeling now, it is a very hard thing to go through and my prayers are with everyone in the family.
Sharie Jylha
July 21, 2006 | Traverse City, MI
i'v been on vacation all week and i seen this. i thank you guys for being so nice and loveing people. your loveing family and loveing for god. it shows and know dean is with ower loveing god being very peicefull. i love ya all take care suzy storrs
suzy storrs
July 21, 2006 | Traverse City, MI
I was sorry to read in the paper of Dean's passing. In the 10 years we worked together he became more of a friend than he was my boss. I have so many fond memories of Dean. I can remember him telling us one day how "silly" he thought it was hitting a little white ball around on the golf course and then years later playing the game every chance he could. I always got a chuckle out of that. I enjoyed working for him and with him. I'm a better person for having known him and I will never...
Tana Halvorsen
July 19, 2006 | Williamsburg, MI
Dean hired me into the County Treasurer's office over 20 years ago. He was a great boss and friend. He was a very caring and giving person and I am saddened at his passing. My condolences to his family.
Midge Werner
July 19, 2006 | Suttons Bay, MI
Trusting that you will have a special sense of God's comfort. I know he is enjoying being with his parents and other family that were waiting for him.
Dorothy Low
July 18, 2006 | Sells, AZ
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father.I know what you are going through.Dale and I will be praying for comfort for your family. Dale & Barb Davison
barb Davison
July 18, 2006 | Buckley, MI
I was saddened to hear of Dean's passing. My Mother was a resident at the Pavilions and I spoke with him frequently.I enjoyed his sense of humor and wit. He will be missed by many. Being a Susan, He always said "my Susan and you should meet", but we never did. Losing a parent is a difficult thing.
Susan Heckendorn
July 18, 2006 | Traverse City, MI
