Joseph Edwin Sheeks

JOSEPH "JOE" EDWIN SHEEKS, age 96, of Petaluma, California, entered heaven on Friday, January 10, 2014. Born on October 6, 1917, Joe was raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. He earned degrees from Purdue University and University of Chicago Law School. During World War II, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following the war, he practiced law for over 50 years. In the 1960's he held the post of Mayor of Mill Valley and was a director for the Golden Gate Bridge District. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Association of California Hospital Districts. Joe was a committed Christian who enjoyed reading, particularly the works of C.S. Lewis, and regularly read aloud to his family. He appreciated music and played the organ. He traveled the world and relished fine dining and meaningful conversations. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a great love for language. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Burney, his children; Jay, Jennie, Paul, his stepchildren Ashley, Windsor, 16 loving grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Calvary Chapel Petaluma, 1955 South McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, California. Burial will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, California.