Frederick W. Sheets

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Frederick Sheets made the most of each moment while holding his loved ones near. It was easy to see that his beautiful daughter was the light of his life, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Fred was a hardworking man who honorably served his country during a time of need, and his devotion to the people and things he cherished most was unmatched. Guided by an unwavering faith, he was never overbearing or boisterous in his beliefs, yet he was deeply devoted to his church family. Although his life ended much too soon, Fred created a priceless collection of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of his friends and loved ones.

The 1960s were an exciting time in American history when we were making great strides forward. Although civil rights had been gaining momentum since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus in the 1950s, it was Dr. Martin Luther Kings work in the decade that followed that brought it to the forefront. It was also during the 1960s that America was victorious in the space race between our nation and the Soviet Union when we put the first man on the moon. It was just as this decade was drawing to a close that a young couple from Fort Wayne, Indiana, welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on July 30, 1969. Frederick William was raised by his parents, Richard C. Sheets and Patricia (Grant) Uhl, and he was joined in his family by his brother, Chad. When he was four years old, Fred and his family moved to the countryside outside of Columbia City.

In many ways Fred experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. He loved playing with his brother, and he developed what would become a lifelong love for baseball. Even as a two year old playing ball was always on his mind as he seized every opportunity to play with his younger brother such as the time that he used a plastic toy piano for a ball, hitting his brother square in the face! As they got older, Fred sharpened his skills with his father as his Little League coach. He loved all sports, but by the time he was in high school football became his primary love. A student at local schools, Freds high school years found him at Central Noble High School where he not only played football, but he also wrestled as a heavyweight for one year.

After graduating from high school in 1988, Fred joined the United States Marine Corps. He completed his basic training and then was sent all over the globe, visiting every continent except for Antarctica. Fred served as a jet mechanic and served during the Gulf War. His favorite aircraft was the Harrier Jet.

When he was honorably discharged, Fred came back home to Northeast Indiana and began working for Merriman, a company that constructed the canopies at gas stations, based out of Albion. From there he began working for High Tech, which laid the groundwork for his career with CNC. Over the years Fred worked his way up through various companies to further his career and skill set. This eventually brought him to a job in Mansfield, Ohio, before finally being hired by Nemcomed Instruments and Implants in Fort Wayne six years ago.

Although his work was highly important to him, Fred truly cherished his role as a father. It was easy to see that his daughter, Amber, was the apple of his eye. Fred was also blessed with a son, Christopher. He was always available to his daughter to lend a listening ear, and although he gave the best advice he always supported her in whatever her decision was whether he agreed or not. Over time, Fred and Amber made several trips up to Chicago where they always had plenty of fun together despite his mild case of road rage. Once, he even let her drive while sitting back and not saying a thing. On another one of their trips there they toured Soldier Field, the home of his beloved Bears. Even though they were told not to touch the grass, Fred just couldnt resist the feel of the field. He loved watching the Bears play in addition to Notre Dame football games. Fred was also a NASCAR fan whose favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Sr., and he later became a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan. One of his favorite vacations was the time that he and his daughter and his father all went to North Carolina. This trip led to more trips as North Carolina became one of Franks favorite places to be. At times they did the typical tourist thing with a trip to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, but a highlight was when they toured Dale Earnhardt Inc. As someone who enjoyed being busy, Fred built model cars and airplanes. Although Amber was allowed to watch him paint the cars, she knew that she was never allowed to touch them.

A lifelong resident of his community, Fred was the sort of person whom everyone wanted to know. Although he never desired to be the center of attention, he did enjoy teaching third through fifth graders Sunday school at his church, The Pointe Church in Ft. Wayne. Additionally, Fred was a member of the American Legion in Ligonier. A man of great honor and courage himself, it was not surprising that he always had a deep admiration for both eagles and lions.

Patient, thoughtful, and kind, Frederick Sheets was a blessing to his family and friends. He offered unconditional love and respect and was never one to jump to conclusions or to judge others. Although his journey was enriched in countless ways, there was nothing that was more near and dear to his heart than his family including his daughter as well as his parents, brothers, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Fred will never be forgotten.

Frederick William Sheets, of Fort Wayne, IN, died at 2:38 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital. Freds family includes his father, Richard C. Sheets of Yoder; mother, Patricia Uhl of Albion; daughter, Amber Sheets of Fort Wayne; son, Christopher Rooney Jr. of Anderson; brothers, Chad L. Sheets of Albion and Joey Uhl of Noblesville; and loving nephews, Dalton and Jo Jo Sheets. Fred was preceded in death by his step-father, Oakley Uhl.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Mitch Moser officiating. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Freds memory to The Pointe Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.