Norman Leo Sheets formerly of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed from this life February 24, 2010, at his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 83 years.

Norman Leo Sheets was born on September 18, 1926, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Norman Earl and Mary Helen (Bradley) Sheets. He grew up in Kay County graduating from Braman High School in 1945. Following graduation he was offered a scholarship to play football at Oklahoma State University. Instead he was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served in the 7th Infantry Division during World War II with the Army of Occupation in both Japan and Korea. Upon his honorable discharge he began farming, but in 1949 accepted a job as a jailer with the Kay County Sheriff's Office where he rose to the ranks of Undersheriff. In 1970 he began working for the Oklahoma Alcohol Beverage Control Board until his retirement in 1986.

He married Maurine Ratliff on June 8, 1962, and they made their home in Blackwell. Most recently they resided at the Baptist Village Retirement Center in Oklahoma City.

Leo was an active and faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell where he served as a Sunday School teacher, usher and greeter for many years. He was also a volunteer for the American Red Cross and received the Clara Barton Award for service.

Leo was loved, adored and admired by those who came into contact with him. He was a very loving, caring and giving person who always put others ahead of himself. We are comforted in knowing that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and is now looking down on us from heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Maurine Sheets of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two daughters, Linda Jernigan of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Rhonda Maule of Florida; a step-daughter, Cynthia Thomas of Kerrville, Texas; a son, Brad Sheets of Yukon, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mildred Long; and step-daughter, Catherine Dobbs.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 1st in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell with Chaplain Chris Finley of the Baptist Village officiating.
Burial will follow in the Braman Cemetery with military rites performed by the Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Alzheimer's Association in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631