Jeffrey Lynn Sheatz, 60, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at his home of an apparent heart attack.

Born, August 28, 1956 in Meadville, he was the son of Ira (Ike) W. and Catherine C. Consider Sheatz, Sr.

He was a 1974 graduate of Cochranton High School and served with the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Jeff worked at Layne New York and Hydro Group, FAME Manufacturing, Norfolk Southern Railroad and was presently employed at SCI in Cambridge Springs.

Jeff thoroughly enjoyed working with his father for many years at Layne, NY and Hydro Group. That close association guided him to be just like his father being able to analyze and repair anything and everything. He was called upon by countless relatives and friends for various repairs and assistance, and like his father, he came to the rescue. His slight frame was directed by his enormous and generous heart. Like his mother, he was very organized and cleanliness of car, house, garage, shed, camp, etc. was the rule to follow.

He was invaluable to his brother and wife as he perfectly filled his father’s shoes. He was Mr. Fix-it to Cortney, Mr. Jokester to Wade and Mr. Hunter to Alex. He exhibited great love for his niece and nephews and then to his great niece, Sasha.

He was and exemplary and exceptional step father to Merry Holly and her two sons creating many shared wonderful times together.

His passion was hunting, as was his father’s, and he shared many hours with special cousins, and friends treading the hills and valleys of Crawford, Forest and Venango Counties. He had great affection for the sport and for those he guided and quietly shared his great knowledge.

He was especially appreciative of his comrades of the Cochranton American Legion and their social and ceremonial times together. Wearing his father’s uniform, he was also a flag bearer in many parades and participated in many related funerals, flag retirement ceremonies and was a previous Post Commander.

Jeff valued his co-workers of SCI Cambridge Springs and their work there. He also was a Safety Facilitator and Union Representative. He truly exemplified with respect his position there in guiding ladies serving time there for encouragement and positive growth.

We humans all experience the heart wrenching agony of a life ended. The balm of healing is a life give for and to others- of a life well lived. He stated recently that every day while driving to work he prayed for his numerous family and friends because of his love for them. Like Jeff may we all “ANSWER THE CALL”.

A special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hovis for their flag at half-staff to salute and recognize with respect of Jeff’s passing.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation and gratitude to all who touched Jeff’s life and for your concerns, prayers, offers of support and love for him and for us. May God bless each of you.

Survivors include two aunts, Adah M. Wood of Franklin and Frances E. Smith of Carlton. Two aunts in law, Dorothy Sheatz of Meadville and Marilyn Sheatz of Casselberry, Florida. A brother, Ira (Ike) Sheatz Jr. and his wife Debbie of Cochranton, a niece, Cortney Rae Sheatz of Cochranton, two nephews, Ira (Wade) Sheatz III of Cochranton and Alex H. Sheatz of Meadville. His wife, Debra Lee Sheatz of Williamsfield, Ohio, a step daughter, Merry Holly and her husband Jason DeJohn of Meadville and step grandsons Jarrett Michael and Michael John DeJohn also of Meadville.

Also very close and special friends Ron and Carole Toth of Cochranton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 grandparents, 4 paternal uncles, 2 paternal aunts and 1 maternal aunt.

Friends and family will be received at the Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc., 123 S. Franklin St., Cochranton on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm and also on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 10:00am until noon when funeral services will be held with the Rev. John McGarvey of the Cochranton Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, officiating.

Interment will be in the Cochranton Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Cochranton American Legion.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jeff’s name to the Cochranton American Legion or the Cochranton Public Library