Clarence Sheets

No one who knew Clarence Sheets ever doubted his sincerity or his genuine concern for others. With a ready smile, a twinkle in his baby blues, and an open heart, he never met a stranger and knew how to make others feel comfortable and welcome. He had a compassion that came from experiencing his own share of hard times, leading him to demonstrate acceptance and kindness to everyone. His routines were well established and he meticulously managed his possessions, but the most important part of his life was his family. He was a gentle and loving father, leading his family with a loving nature that assured them of his love and protection.

Clarence was born June 6, 1927 in Chilhowie, Virginia, the son of Luther and Mary (Martin) Sheets. The oldest of six children, it didn’t take long for Clarence to learn about pitching in and the importance of family. There was always work to be done on the small family farm and his dad took a job at a West Virginia coal mine to provide the rest of what was needed. Clarence attended Loves Mill Elementary School through the eighth grade and loved it there, right next door to a stone quarry.

The stock market crash of 1929 sent the world economy into a tailspin and things were tough for the Sheets as well as families across the globe. It wasn’t just financial hurdles that had to be overcome, however. One day Clarence stumbled and landed on a bottle that permanently damaged his right hand. He had to become left-handed and was never able to completely close his right fist. His golf swing had a little hitch in it, also. But he adapted and didn’t let it change his optimistic outlook on life.

Clarence was no stranger to hard work. Even as a youngster he saved up his money from odd jobs for eight months in order to buy a new bicycle. Later he tried his hand at farming, armed with just a rocky hill and a horse. He made a good effort for a season, but realized that perhaps a different endeavor would bring him more success.

When Clarence was fourteen, he learned that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. He waited for news of boys who had been shipped off to war and rationed food and supplies along with the rest of the nation. When he was old enough to enlist in the Navy, World War II was ending and Clarence was assigned to the “Can Do” Seabees, the Naval construction battalions who were responsible for building airstrips, bridges, roads, and other vital projects of military necessity. Clarence’s part was to drive truck and sweep the battlefields to allow American aircrafts to land. He worked on several Pacific islands including Guam and Manus.

When Clarence left the military, he found work at the Lincoln Furniture Company, but a paycheck wasn’t the only thing he found there. He met a lovely lady named Iris who had a four-year-old son named Burr. The two fell in love and married in Mountain City, Tennessee, not far from Clarence’s hometown, in 1946. They later moved to Michigan just north of Benton Harbor and built their own home. In the early 1960s, they moved their family to Seattle where they lived for about ten years and then returned to the area. They first had a home in Mattawan and then built a home in Schoolcraft.

Clarence understood people and was a natural salesman. He started working at The Western and Southern Insurance Company and was very successful. He won awards as a top sales person for many years, was a member of the President’s Club, and worked his way into a managerial position. He kept meticulous records of every customer and their payments and had notebooks full of customer information.

Sadly, while living in Schoolcraft, Iris died. Clarence moved to Marcellus where he lived for almost twenty years. During that time, he and his neighbor, Veda Dentler became very close friends and travel companions. When Veda died, he was grateful and delighted to partner with a dear woman named Judy who was his companion for nine years. They traveled the country together, stopping at big flea markets and popular locations. They didn’t have to go far, though, to enjoy a regular trip to Cornwell’s Turkeyville U.S.A. for dinner and a show. They enjoyed spending winters in Clermont, Florida. Part of Clarence’s routine was to visit his family on the way south. He enjoyed watching the grandkids grow and looked forward to catching up with his children.

Clarence loved being around people. After his retirement in 1988, he spent time traveling, golfing, going out to eat, and people watching in Shipshewana. He loved driving his brother-in-law Harold’s 1932 Model A in parades and car shows. He kept busy at home, too, chatting with neighbors when he wasn’t meticulously caring for his yard or organizing his garage. If he had to stay inside, he liked doing puzzles or perusing the many magazines he purchased in support of his grandchildren’s fundraisers. Television wasn’t a big part of his life, but he did like watching the History Channel, the National Geographic Channel, and keeping up with current events.

Clarence gave his family many wonderful gifts. He taught them to give people the benefit of the doubt, sharing his wise sentiment, “You don’t hate people, you dislike their ways.” He taught them how to get along and to be generous. He taught them to work hard with enthusiasm and attention to detail. Most importantly, he taught them how to give of oneself with joy and sincerity. His example leaves a path for his loved ones to follow, and that is a legacy they are privileged to carry forward.

Clarence died on Saturday, August 2, 2014, in Hudsonville, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris Sheets; son, Ronald Sheets; and siblings: Howard Sheets, Jean Ross, and Gladys Noack. He is survived by his three children: Burr John (Judy) Smith, Rebecca (Rick) Clark, and Delyce (Aaron) Treadway; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; two siblings, Betty (Avery) Severt and Jamie (Anita) Sheets; special friend, Judy Clark; and many nieces and nephews.

Visit with family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, from 5-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler & Thompson– Paw Paw, 60900 M-40, where services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton. Please visit Clarence’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of him and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion McGowan-Johnson Post 68 or DAV.