Date of death: 11/5/2023
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1957
Father Joseph B. Sheets was born November 25, 1931, in Columbus, Indiana to Edward F. Sheets Sr. and Kathryn A. Burns Sheets. He attended Central Elementary and Junior High public schools, in Martinsville, Indiana. In 1945, he entered the seminary of Saint Meinrad, Indiana where he continued his education in high school, college and theology courses. On May 3, 1957, he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Meinrad by Archbishop Paul C. Schulte. His pastoral assignments were as an assistant: 1957, St. Ambrose, Seymour and Our Lady of Providence, Brownstown; 1961, St. Patrick, Terre Haute; 1968, St. Peter & Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis; and as pastor, 1969, St. Mary, Lanesville, Indiana; 1983, St. Ambrose, Seymour, Indiana and Our Lady of Providence, Brownstown, Indiana. He retired as pastor in 2001 yet continued to assist in various parishes within the Archdiocese.
Father Joseph B. Sheets passed from this life at 4:04 a.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.
Father Sheets is survived by his sister, Sarah E. Sichting of Martinsville, Indiana and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Father Sheets was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Edward F. Sheets Jr., Barbara K. Sheets and John R. Sheets; and an infant sister, Carol Louise Sheets.