Richard E. Sheets

Richard Edward Sheets of Fishers, Ind., died Monday, March 12. He was 71. Dick was born April 3, 1946, in Fort Wayne, the son of Albert Sheets, Jr. and Beulah Pennington Sheets. Growing up, he lived in Franklin, Whiteland and Columbus. He was active in the Boy Scouts and Air Explorers.  He served in the Army from 1968 through 1970 as Communications Specialist 5th class at Fort Campbell, Ky., and in Germany. He graduated from Indiana University in 1971 with double majors in English and Journalism. Dick worked for 22 years at The Republic newspaper in Columbus.  As Sports editor for five years, he wrote the daily column “Sheets on the Line”.  Later he was News editor and Copy Desk editor.  In 1997, he became an editor for the Office of Code Revision, a branch of the Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Services Agency. His excellent work was recognized by Indiana Senate Resolution 106 upon his retirement in 2011. Dick mentored a generation of Columbus boys who played Babe Ruth Baseball during the ‘80s and 90’s, serving as league president and coach of the 16-18 year-old traveling team, who won the state championship in 1991.  He was named USA Baseball/Topps 1993 Indiana Amateur Baseball Coach of the Year.  He could often be found in his garage, crafting family heirlooms from wood or stained glass; or in libraries, documenting genealogy and history of Hoosier Quakers. He met Pamela Battin on May 26, 1972, on a blind date and married her on July 29 that year. He is survived by his wife, along with their daughter, Shannon Sheets and grandchildren, Riley and Paige Barabas, with whom he lived.  He is also survived by their son, Shawn Sheets, of Indianapolis; and his mother, of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Sheets. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center, 10722 E Washington St., Indianapolis, with visitation on Saturday, March 24, from 2:00 to 4:00, followed by a ceremony at 4:00. Family and friends are encouraged to wear Chicago Cubs attire.  Like all die-hard Cubs fans, Dick was thrilled to see them win the World Series in 2016. (Colts blue is welcomed also, as Dick was a fan since their Baltimore days.) Donations can be made in Dick’s memory to the charity of your choice.