Warren James Sheets

Warren James Sheets, age 66 years old, passed away peacefully, in Traverse City at Munson Medical Center on Oct. 18, 2017 after an eight month battle with cancer. Warren was born in Midland to Elizabeth M. and Warren J Sheets in 1951. He attended Midland public schools and was involved in music, sports, Boy Scouts and church groups. He played cornet in the band and orchestra, played baseball, tennis, and football, and attended the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA, in 1964. He attended the First Methodist and Midland Reformed churches. When the family relocated to Pottstown, PA, Warren finished his secondary education at Perkiomen School, in Pennsburg, PA and graduated in 1969.

After high school, Warren attended Hope College for a year. In 1970, he became a railroad employee with the Reading Company as a brakeman, trainman, and conductor. He worked continuously for the railroad through and after the takeover of the Reading Company by ConRail Corporation and also worked for Amtrak off and on, until he became physically disabled in 1999. While working full-time for the railroad, he studied part-time at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in the Radio, Theater and Film Department and worked part-time for Prudential Insurance and for his father's business, French Creek Products. Warren married Indra Boondoo in December1994 and they separated in 1999. In 2001, Warren relocated to the Traverse City area to be closer to family living in the area.

Warren was well read and a great lover of books, literature, music, and art. He had a strong interest in innovative science, medicine, and technology. He enjoyed engaging in spirited conversation about a great deal of varied topics. He was generous with his gifts and help to those around him. In his early teens, Warren taught special-needs kids how to swim. Most recently, he volunteered as a dog walker at Cherryland Humane Society and with the shelters for the homeless in Traverse City. He took good care of his widowed mother: cooking, cleaning, running errands and driving her to appointments, before and after she stopped being able to do those things for herself. He rescued his little buddy, Rudy, a miniature pincher mix, from Cherryland Humane Society and provided a loving home for him. Warren found a spiritual home at Unity Church of Traverse City, where he became a member.

Warren was preceded in death by his father, Warren J Sheets and his wife, Indra Sheets. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth M. Sheets of Interlochen, MI; brother, Stephen R. Sheets of Grand Haven, MI; sisters: Edyth E.(James) Wilson of Mt. Horeb, WI; Gloria J. Fritz of Pottstown, PA; Margaret J.(Michael) Yeager of Elysburg, PA; three nieces and two nephews, one grand nephew and one grand niece; and his trusty dog, Rudy.

Warren will be deeply missed by his friends and family. There will be a memorial service and celebration of Warren's life at 11:00 AM, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at Unity Church of Traverse City, 3600 5 Mile Rd., Traverse City. In lieu of flowers please direct contributions to the Cherryland Humane Society or Unity Church of Traverse City.