John C. Sheets, 88, of rural West Lafayette, Montmorenci, died at 5:50 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2010 at Mulberry Retirement Community where he had been a resident since September. He was born June 22, 1922 in Round Grove to the late Clinton H. and Olga E. (Chase) Sheets. He was a 1941 graduate of Montmorenci High School. His marriage was to Marjorie J. Ralston on May 5, 1945 at Montmorenci United Methodist Church. She survives. He was a life long farmer in Tippecanoe County who loved his Angus Cattle. Mr. Sheets was a member of the Montmorenci United Methodist Church and Otterbein United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the John Purdue Club, Purdue Presidents Council, Fast Breakers, Tippecanoe Cattleman's Association, American Angus Association and the Montmorenci Cemetery Board. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing basketball and baseball in his younger years. Mr. Sheets was an IHSAA referee for 24 years including sectionals and regionals and also was an umpire. His love for sports continued while watching family members play sports and attending Purdue football and basketball games. Family was always the most important, including traveling with his wife of 65 years and with friends. Surviving with his wife is a son, Douglas H. Sheets (wife: Brenda) of West Lafayette, a daughter, Teresa J. Witkoske (husband: Steven) of Wabash; siblings, Fern Sims (husband: Eldon) of West Lafayette, Clint "Duke" Sheets (wife: Bethel) of Attica and Beulah Cole (husband: Tom) of West Lafayette. John loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren Clint Sheets (wife: Carrie), Evan Witkoske, Nicole Suba (husband: Josh) and Harley Cyr and his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Ethan Sheets and Hannah and Collin Suba. Also surviving is a wonderful extended family including many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death is a sister, Lillian Mills and a special granddaughter, Stephanie Sheets. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston and also from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2010 at the chapel located on the grounds of Montmorenci Cemetery with Rev. John Johanssen officiating. Interment to follow in the Montmorenci Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his honor to the Montmorenci Cemetery Association.