July 4, 1928
Donald Sheets was born on July 4, 1928 to William and Rachel Sheets, living near Arnold, Nebraska. Don has three brothers Billy, Paul, and Bernard and one sister, Colleen. Don married Joyce Jenkins on November 14, 1951. Their children are Marcia of Burwell, Nebraska, Jim of Mullen, Nebraska, Pat of Burwell, Nebraska, David of Hyannis, deceased in September 1998, Tammi of Lincoln, Nebraska, and John of Arcadia, Nebraska.
Don has worked on several ranches in Nebraska and purchased his ranch in Burwell, where he raised his family. Don rode saddle broncs as a young man. The last bronc he rode was in Hyannis, Nebraska, in 1975 at the Old Timers Rodeo, where he won his last buckle. He started attending Jr. High and High School Rodeos watching his children and grandchildren participate.
Don worked his own business as a carpenter for many years. Don helped start the Burwell Roping Club and enjoyed watching everyone rope. Don still enjoys going to work every day when called upon and he’s always willing to help a neighbor.
Don is a true cowboy and has always held up the cowboy tradition. Don still harnesses his work horses and has taken a lot of brides and grooms and Christmas carolers for rides on his wagon. He still rides a saddle horse at the age of 84 plus. Don loves his friends and neighbors and makes weekly stops to the nursing home and home bound friends for a visit. Don and Joyce are still attending High School Rodeos after following their own children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren for over 45 years.