Charles "Chuck" Rowley Sheets

Charles “Chuck” Rowley Sheets, age 94, passed away on January 8, 2023 at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Ft. Wayne, IN. Chuck was born January 6, 1929 in Angola, IN.

As a boy, Chuck’s farm life centered around his horses and dogs.  He rode his horse to school and other surprising places, if the stories are to be believed.  In 1947, Chuck graduated from Angola High School where he was a varsity cheerleader. He attended Indiana University and met his love, Tusie Pohlmeyer.  He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

After serving in the Army, Chuck married Tusie on July 10, 1954.  They raised two girls as Chuck grew the family business Sheets Oil & Gas.  He was the Indiana LP Gas Association President in 1965.

Chuck’s passion for his hometown and its people flourished.  He served as Cameron Memorial Community Hospital Board Chair, Rotary Club of Angola President and 50-year plus member, and Steuben County Community Foundation and Breeden YMCA founding member.

RISE, Project Help, Angola Area Chamber, Steuben County Commissioners, and Trine University benefited from his charitable giving and guidance.  Chuck was a member of the Angola Masonic Bodies, Pokagon and Mizpah Shrine Clubs, Ft. Wayne Scottish Rite, and Moose Lodge #1568, and the AQHA.

In 2016, Governor Mike Pence awarded Chuck the Sagamore of the Wabash, a prestigious recognition of his “humanity in living and inspirational leadership.”

During a 66-year marriage, Chuck and Tusie enjoyed cruises and traveled near and far. But, they treasured every moment with friends and family at Camp Sheets, their Lake James cottage.  He loved snowmobiling and snow skied until age 90 at Otsego Ski Club.  Chuck collected H. Clay Dahlberg bronzes, enjoyed Big Band music, danced skillfully with Tuz, and savored Ketel One (and Ketel Two). Chuck was a founding member of the McCool’s Round Table.

Chuck was a developer – of community, of kindness, of relationships. He was humble yet became a prominent business leader.  He was generous yet his greatest gifts were smiling blue eyes and quick sense of humor. 

Chuck is survived by daughters Martha Kempf of Auburn, IN and Mary (Thomas) Tomaski of Gaylord, MI; sister-in-law Martha Rarick of Ft. Wayne, IN; grandsons Peter (Jaclyn) Kempf, Jeffery (fiancée Jillian Comeau) Kempf, William Tomaski, and Anthony Tomaski; great grandchildren Rowan, Charlotte, and Peter H. Kempf and Maren Comeau; nieces Nancy (Scott) Ecclestone, Stephanie (Shawn) Wiley, Abigail (Barrett) Blaker, Caroline and Anna Rarick; and nephews Martin (Jennifer) Rarick, Charles H. Sheets, Taylor (Morgan) Ecclestone, Trevor (Claire) Ecclestone, and William Crick.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann Sheets, parents Harcourt and Elsta Sheets, brother William (Carrington) Sheets and brother-in-law Von Rarick. 

The memorial service is Monday, January 16, 11 a.m. at Fairview Missionary Church, 525 E 200 N, Angola.  Visitation is Sunday, January 15, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. at Fairview Missionary Church.  Burial will be in Circle Hill Cemetery, Angola. 

Memorials may be made to the Sheets Family Fund at the Steuben County Community Foundation, 1701 N. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles "Chuck" Rowley Sheets, please visit our floral store.