Honoring the Life and Legacy of
David Leon Sheets
Obituary
David Sheets, 65, passed away due to COVID-19 on January 30, 2021 at his home in Denton, Texas. Born in 1955 to Jim and Aletha Sheets, David grew up in a family of musical ministers.
Those who knew him witnessed a life fully and fervently committed to Jesus: a true rarity.
David attended United Wesleyan College 1973-1975, transferred to Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana where he graduated in 1979 after paying his late library fees. In 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice Thomas. Their joint ministry for the next 45 years would change thousands of lives.
David served on staff at eleven churches across the US Midwest & East Coast, leading each community into a new understanding of authentic worship to Jesus through the gift of music. He selflessly served underprivileged communities through mission trips around the world – including Mexico, Peru, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. He personally led dozens of people to salvation through Christ Jesus. His work as a family pastor improved and revived hundreds of marriages. He persuaded countless believers to obey God’s call to give their own lives to the ministry of the gospel.
David’s life of ministerial work drew applause. But anyone who knew him knows that he considered his countless achievements and accolades as nothing. Nada. “Zilch,” he would say. His only purpose (and joy) was to point others toward life change through the cross of Christ and its power to redeem.
To say humor & joy marked David’s life would be an extreme understatement. He saw every moment of every day as an opportunity to ambush, gag, prank, trick, or fool someone into belly laughing along with him. Everyone who knew David has multiple anecdotes about David bringing levity into any situation.
David is survived by his wife, Bea. His children, Brock and Bethany, their spouses, Esther and Joel (respectively), and his six grandchildren also survive David to honor the heritage he created. Surviving also are David’s parents, Jim and Aletha Sheets, and his siblings Paul (Sally) Sheets and Judy (Ken) Davis.
David’s departure did not douse the legacy he brought to life. His family invites you to join a virtual memorial service featuring a worship choir full of voices of the many diverse lives David touched.
The Virtual Celebration of Life for
David Leon Sheets
Recorded Feb 26, 2021
The Virtual Celebration of Life for
David Leon Sheets
Recorded Feb 26, 2021
Goodness of God - David Sheets Memorial Choir
This song embodies the way David Sheets lived his life. In every situation, no matter the difficulty, he would proclaim God’s goodness.
David Sheets lived a life devoted to Jesus. He spent the majority of his career as a music minister & choir director in churches around the US. The Sheets family put out a call for anyone who had served with David to join a virtual choir in his honor. What you see here is just a small picture of his legacy impact on the Kingdom of God. We pray this song blesses you and encourages you today.
Slide show
Photo Gallery
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to: Emanuel House
Emanuel House is a school & after-school program located in Quisqueya, Dominican Republic. Founder, Mirqueya Guzman started the school with her own money to target the neediest children in her community. Now the school weekly ministers to over 150 children. Many of these children are not allowed to attend public school due to missing birth certificates. With help from others, she is able to offer a hot meal, educational instruction, and love.
David loved and celebrated the heart that Mirqueya had for her neighbors. Partnering with the McLean Bible Church music ministry, David led several evangelistic teams and joined with Emanuel House sharing music, food resources, material goods, and the love of Christ to the community. David would be honored to know Emanuel House is thriving because of your generosity.
I miss you so much, David. It’s been a difficult year and I sure missed your advice and counsel. But I have imagined what Heaven looked like as you welcomed Dad….and then Mom.
One question, based on our previous conversations….do they include the bass line in the heavenly choir?
Can’t wait to see you again!
Dad, you’ve been gone 2 years now and life has changed a TON for all of us. We sure wish you were here to help steady us through it. …but we know you’re enjoying Jesus’ presence so immensely that none of us could ever dare think of wishing you back. We look longingly toward the day we get to join you at Jesus’ feet singing together forever “Holy, Holy, HOLY is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
We love you, Dad. We miss you terribly.
We are so saddened hear of the sudden passing of Dave . We remember David as a kind, humble, and godly man from his days as Director of 2nd Saturday in Chicago, and in the years beyond. He was a mentor to Jeff, and a good friend to us both. He and his wife, Beatrice where an inspiration to us. Our prayers are with Beatrice and his family
His love for life and joy-filled constance changed my life….. thank you, David!
Thoughts and prayers
I so enjoyed being in the Choir with David, also when he gave us the privilege of singing with him leading us at the Kennedy Center, I know he will be missed so much. Looking forward to singing with him in Heaven one day. My love and Prayers to Bea and family.
I was privileged to be in a counseling supervision group with David which was led by Dr Bill Clark for over 10 years. As our numbers dwindled it became a men’s fellowship as David, Bill, and I were the only ones in the group for the last several years. It was a privilege and joy to know David and fellowship with him thru some significant phases of life.
Much love to the family. My prayers are with you!
Rick Yorgey
Dear Bea, Bethany and Brock, thank you for hosting one of the most memorable Memorial Services ever. It so honored Christ and David. Because David was so full of life even now it’s hard to believe that he is away from the body and at home with the Lord. Not only was I privileged to know and appreciate David, I was also able to borrow the Green Truck twice! Please know that you and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers in the many days ahead. With love from a sister in Christ
PS. During Covid I have been planting small tree seedlings or saplings to honor family and friends Los t to Covid This weekend I’ll be planting a Sycamore tree seedling in honor of David
Sending love. Jesus thank You for holding Bea and family right now. Please comfort them.
Thank You for David’s life, ministry, and friendship! What an outpouring of Joy and Song! Looking forward to the reunion in Heaven with the Sheets family.❤