GREAT BEND – Donald Eugene “Gene” Sheets, 84, died  July 25, 2012 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born July 21, 1928 at Reamsville, Kansas, the son of John Russell and Ina Frances (Aikin) Sheets.
He married Myrna Yenne and they were later divorced. He married Carolyn Ann Showalter Skeels Nov. 9, 1979 at Dighton. He was an oilfield equipment salesman for various local oil supply companies.
Mr. Sheets was a Great Bend resident since 1962 coming from Smith Center. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II and Korea. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111 and American Legion Argonne Post 180, both of Great Bend. He was an avid golfer and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Ann Sheets, of the home; a son, John Sheets and his wife Vicki, Great Bend; a daughter, Donna Marbut, Great Bend; a stepson, Steve Skeels, Oklahoma City, Okla.; a stepdaughter, Vicki Schamaun and husband Mike, New Braunfels, Texas; eight grandchildren,  Jason Marbut and wife Mandy; Trevor Marbut and wife Sienna; Jennifer Keener and husband Jarrod; Rachelle Sheets, Josh Sheets and Kimmie, Shane Schamaun, Brittany Schamaun, and Dayton Skeels; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold Sheets, Frank Sheets, Lloyd Sheets, and Roland Sheets, and three sisters, Mary Wilson, Thelma Crawford, and Velma Ornsbee.
Memorial Service is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 28 at Bryant Funeral Home with officiant The Reverend William F. Johnson. Inurnment will be at Great Bend Cemetery with military rites provided by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 27 at Bryant Funeral Home.
Memorial Funds are established for First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home *   
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 26, 2012