Wilbert Sheets

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend, Cootie, a lifelong resident of Gonzales, passed away at 5:10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, with his loving children by his side. He was 90, a retiree of ExxonMobil and vice president of Exxon’s Annuities Club. He was an avid hunter and was known to his sons, grandsons and friends as Coot Dog. In his early years, he loved fishing and camping with his boys. He is survived by nine children and their spouses. Barbara and Jerry Michel, Pat and Buddy Dempster, Gene and Faye Sheets, Gladys and Bo McManus, Tommy and Donna Sheets, Wayne Sheets and Donna Smith, Charlotte and Dale Hidalgo, Ramona and Blake Debate, and Addie Sheets. He leaves behind 24 grandchildren including Chelsea Sheets, whom he raised as a daughter; 36 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. He is survived by three brothers, Wilman “Footsie,” Roland and Kerney Sheets; and a sister, Joy Soileau. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Brundhilde Tatum Sheets; parents, Jake and Addie Sheets; two brothers, four sisters and two grandchildren. Pallbearers will be his eldest grandsons, Mark Michel, Travis Sheets, Ty Dempster, Tyke McManus, Shawn Sheets, Jason Sheets, Darren Hidalgo, Blaine Debate and Chance Simoneaux. Honorary pallbearers are David and Robert Michel, Troy Dempster and Jordan Sheets. A special thank you to St. Joseph Hospice, Dawn and her staff, and to Ms. Bea Dupont for her special friendship. Cootie touched the lives of many people and will be sadly missed. Visitation at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Gonzales on Monday, Jan. 17, from 1:30 p.m. from until Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 p.m., celebrated by the Rev. Boby Alex. Interment in Hope Haven Cemetery on La. 30, Gonzales. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice, 8923 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.