"My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Jim, Thelma and Sheets family, as well as Jacque and my cousin Josh for the passing of Keith. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time of loss and mourning.
Beth Kilgore McGriff "
In loving memory of
Keith D. Sheets
September 23, 1958 - February 15, 2021
Keith D. Sheets, 62, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021, in Muncie, Indiana. He was born on September 23, 1958, to James "Jim" and Thelma Sheets, in Marion. Keith was one of five children and he grew up with his family in Grant County, IN. He began his lifelong career in asphalt at the tender age of 14, learning the trade from his Uncle Glen "Bilko" Eltzroth. Keith received many awards due to his dedication to perfection in building the smoothest highways in Florida and in Indiana. With so much knowledge in his head on this trade, he was considered the best of the best and those who worked beside him were honored to do so.
In spite of his wild spirit, Keith graduated from Eastbrook High School with the Class of 1978. Keith had a passion for fast cars and big trucks (his Barracuda being his favorite). He also had a passion for hunting and trapping; teaching his boys the secret techniques and signs to look for the best place to catch wild game; making sure they knew how to put food on the table to ensure their survival, if necessary. Keith loved shooting his guns, singing, listening to loud music, riding his gator around his property, playing the harmonica and the mandolin, restoring Farmall Tractors, taking long road trips with Jacque on their Harleys, and most of all spending time with his brother and his kids. He loved bull riding. When Keith was a young man, he had a soft spot for the bulls that weren't picked for the events. When they returned home, he would ride them just to make sure they received attention as well.
Keith was extremely proud of all of his children and their accomplishments; they were truly his entire life. He was a member of A.B.A.T.E. of Indiana Region 3, and Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, giving honor to fallen military. Keith attended Morningstar Ministries in Jonesboro. On August 1, 2009, he married his best friend, Jacque (Glass- Jones) Sheets, in Derby, IN, and gained 3 more children. Keith dedicated all of his free time to making improvements to the farm; even using his asphalt skills to build a road to the pond and woods. He also cut wood every winter, whether he liked it or not, ensuring his mother-in-law was kept warm. Keith had a huge heart and was stubborn as all get out; he will truly be missed by many.
Survivors include his wife: Jacque (Glass-Jones) Sheets, Gaston; his children: Josh (Mandy) Kilgore, Upland; Gabe (Glenda) Sheets, Fairmount; Keith "KJ" (Sadi Curtis) Sheets Jr., Gaston; and Kaitlynn Sheets, Havana, FL; his bonus children: Lindsay (Paul Grant) Jones, Muncie; Nathaniel Jones, Seattle, WA; and Hanna (James) Barton, Anderson; his grandchildren: Gabe; Aubree; Jase; Jackson; Chloe; Wyatt; Ella; Emma; Tucker; and one more on the way: William Dee Lucia; his parents: Jim and Thelma Sheets, Sebring, FL; his siblings: Kim (Bob) Joseph, Fairmount; Kevin (Peggy) Sheets, Van Buren; and Kelly Sheets, Marion; along with several, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth D. Sheets; his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Edna Fern Alice (Henderson) Downam; and paternal grandparents, Elza "Ernest" and Miriam (Merriman) Sheets.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 N. Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989, where a visitation will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Johnny Armes officiating. Burial will follow at Elizabethtown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Keith to ABATE of Indiana Foundation, P.O. Box 665, Bargersville, IN 46106.
Tributes
"My heart is so very sad. I have so many great memories of Keith. I'm thankful that I got the chance to know him. Love and hugs to Jacque and the rest of Keith's family and friends. He will truly be missed by all."
"A Biker Angel Gone Home One man is known by all, A friend always there, To answer our call. Going out of his way, To make all things right. Has gone off to Heaven, to start a new life. Kieth, we?ll miss you, Your passing has caused us to cry, Why He has taken you, He only knows why. There has to be a reason, You answered His call, Though it isn?t understood, Hard to accept by all. A proud Dad, a true biker, a great friend had to go, Often called Cowboy by many who know. As we look up to Heaven, Though the window we see you clear, As the bikes start their engines, We all know you are near. Rest our dear friend in your home up above, Know you were by so many dearly loved."
"Jacque: So sad to hear of Keith's passing. Always enjoyed spending time and talking with Keith.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Dennis & Becky Banks.."
"Jacque and family: we are so sorry to see about Keith?s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers . Our deepest sympathy, Greg and Jamie lynch"
"The most pleasurable & hard working person I dealt with for 6 years. He was all about work, the welfare of others & doing the best of his ability. He spent so many hours at work, because he cared about others, the man was beyond belief at his ability to fulfill his job. & to help others, yes he was stern, you did it right or you didn?t do it. He knew asphalt business inside & out! You will be truly missed but never forgotten Keith, meet you on the other side one day, save me a spot?"
"Jacque, I?m truly saddened for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. May God give you strength during this difficult time. "
"Jacque, although I never had the pleasure of meeting Keith he sounds like a wonderful man! I am truly sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and may God give you strength during this difficult time.."
"Jacque... I?m so very sorry for your loss. Give yourself TIME my friend. ? I love you Lady!"
"I lost a great friend, buddy, and truly great brother. He was always willing to give a helping hand, a word of wisdom to fixing things, and a good laugh. His heart and soul will truly be missed. Rest in peace brother, love you !"
"So very sorry to hear about Keith. Jacque you have my deepest sympathy. My prayers go out to you and your family. Please know if you need anything at all, I'm here for you. XO Janet"
"My sincerest condolences, Jaque?? I have nothing but fond memories of Keith. Your family is in our prayers!"
"So sorry or your loss.... Summer Baker "
"This comes as such a shock. Keith was always so strong and vibrant. Our heart goes out to the family as we share in your loss.. our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Sincere sympathy Jacquie & family!"
"So very saddened by the loss of Keith! We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers!! Rob and Deb Rodgers"
"You will be sadly missed by many but never forgotten by those knew and loved you. Heaven gained a genuinely great guy witg a heart of gold. Thoughts and prayers to Jacque, your children, family and friends. May god give you all strength and peace through this sorrowful time. "
"Keith has been a very dear friend of ours for 20+ years. He and I have shared many a moment discussing life, our dreams and out memories. He and I worked side by side for years and I learned a lot from him about paving and how to be a good boss. We had vacationed together , spent time with each other?s family and drank a lot of cold beer together. He was at the top of a short list of very close and deeply loved friends. Keith loved his wife, kids and his work. He will be forever be my best friend and deeply missed. I will see you one day friend and we will be paving the streets of gold for the good Lord ??."
"So sorry Keith, I have known you for years, lots of good memories. I know you have grown your wings, lots of prayers for you and family RIP"