Robert "Bob" David Sheets

Born April 13, 1940, in the small farming town of Delta, Colorado, Robert was known as “Bob” to friends and “David” to his family. He was the eldest child of Robert Bueler Sheets and Viola Marie Ensign and soon became the protective older brother to sisters Jacque and Kae. From an early age, he shouldered significant responsibilities and learned the value of hard work. When his family moved to Downey, California in 1951, he developed his people skills and assumed leadership roles in school activities. Smart and sociable, Bob was elected President of the California Association of Student Councils. In this role, he traveled the state giving speeches -- bolstering his confidence and igniting his drive to aim high.

While pursuing a major in political science at Long Beach State College, Bob met “the love and light of his world,” Colette Holbrook, who became his source of joy and support over their next six decades together. Married in 1960, they soon moved to Houston, Texas, to raise their young family when Bob received an opportunity to become a part of the historic Apollo space program.

Bob spent his early career as a marketing executive with North American Rockwell and Grumman Aerospace serving as their primary liaison to NASA ‘s Johnson Space Center. He took immense pride in being a part of the select teams that contributed to the Apollo moon landings and developed the lunar module as well as key components of the space shuttle. Working alongside those he deemed the brightest and bravest individuals on Earth, Bob’s experience was made even more meaningful because of the lifelong bonds he formed with friends who felt like family in this tight-knit community.

As a generous friend and mentor, Bob whole-heartedly volunteered in many community organizations including the Lion’s Club and as a founding member of Clear Lake United Methodist Church. He loved spending time on his boat waterskiing with family and friends, creating projects in his garage woodshop, and hosting lively neighborhood parties where he showcased his renowned grilling and blender skills.

In 1983, his career took him back to his home state. As Director of Corporate Development, he single-handedly launched the Grumman office in Colorado Springs where he went on to successfully build new business relationships within the Air Force and defense industry.

Bringing his unbridled zeal for engagement to his new community, Bob was a passionate and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church for forty years. He held numerous lay positions and found great fulfillment within his beloved Kerygma class. Rooted in deep faith and pride in his country, Bob loved giving prayers and toasts with a lump in his throat and a tear in his eye.

After retiring from Northrop Grumman in 1995, Bob continued to flex his leadership skills by channeling his energy into opening a 21st Century Charter School in Colorado Springs and establishing the Southeast & Armed Services YMCA. In 2019, he received recognition from the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region for his outstanding community leadership.

Bob’s passions ran wide and deep. He built a beautiful mountain home in Breckenridge and enjoyed skiing the local peaks. He explored nature through tent and R.V. camping. He delighted in sharing his love for travel with his grandchildren, whether it was in national parks or abroad. He was an avid reader of historical biographies and spy thrillers and joined a writer's group to hone his gift for storytelling. He loved to experiment in the kitchen and share his inventive and often spicy meals with friends. With a keen sense of style, he pulled off his signature fashion with flair.

While Bob was immensely proud of his career, his greatest source of pride was his family. He is survived by his three loving children, who were his "pride and joy," as well as his seven precious grandchildren and two adorable great-granddaughters. His children include son Rob Sheets (and his wife, Lisa), daughter Andrea Bostick (and her husband, Michael), and son Christopher Sheets (and his wife, Julie). The grandchildren are Stacey McDonald (and husband, Tim), Dylan Bostick, Robbie Sheets, Jordan Bostick, Ryan Bostick, Cameron Sheets, and Sean Sheets. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Lauren, Marisa and Mason Wolf, and great granddaughters Charlotte and Colette “Coco” McDonald. Additionally, Bob is survived by his sister Jacque Huffman and brother in-law Dan Brown.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 54 years, Colette Sheets, as well as his parents Robert Sheets and Marie Sheets, his sister Kae Brown, and his brother-in-law Stan Huffman.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 420 N Nevada in Colorado Springs. A reception will follow at Cheyenne Mountain Resort at 4:00 p.m.

For those wishing to honor Bob’s lifelong commitment to family and community, please consider a gift in his memory to The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region in lieu of flowers. https://ppymca.org/support/donate