W. John Sheen

Born: July 4, 1916             In Heaven: July 29, 2012

John Sheen

John enlisted in the Navy in November 1939. Married June 26, 1943 to Mildred “Millie” Moeller…the wedding would have been on the 19^th; however John was detained at the end of Navy flight training and was unable to attend.  While guests enjoyed a lovely reception, John “hitch-hiked” via Navy planes from Corpus Christi, Texas to Des Plaines, Illinois, to marry his beautiful bride.

“Smiling Johnny” spent 22 years serving in the Navy.  He was an original plank holder when the USS Hancock CVA-19 was commissioned and flew in the South Pacific with Fighter Squadron 7 during WWII.  He earned 12 medals and ribbons, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and two Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Bronze Stars during his military service.  Commander Sheen retired in 1962 at Sand Point Naval Air Station, Seattle, WA.

After retiring from the Navy he started a second career with Boeing, retiring at age 65.

John enjoyed a full life and accomplished everything he set out to do.  He helped build, owned and flew planes; taking his first solo flight at just 17 years old. He rode motorcycles, traveled the world, river rafted, fished and camped with his family.  John’s love for the outdoors began with his participation in Boy Scouts, continuing on as a leader for his sons.  He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps where he earned money during the Great Depression by topping trees and building trails in Coos Bay, Oregon.  He set up a photo lab in the wilderness to document the experience for himself and fellow Corps members.

He participated in a wide variety of sports and activities.  Some of his favorites were long distance underwater swimming, tennis, handball, golf, snow and water skiing.  He remained active well into his 80’s and even competed and received medals in the Senior Olympics.  John was an avid reader, loved history and geography, and could beat anyone at games of trivia.  Jeopardy would have gone bankrupt if Johnny was a contestant.  He was the king of “Sheen jokes” and could light up a room.

John was a devout Christian, was a primary supporter in building Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Shoreline, WA and served in youth ministry.  He is survived by his wife: Millie; four sons: Robert, Lyle, Wray and John Paul; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, August 20, 2012 at Tahoma National Cemetery. (18600 Southeast 240^th Street, Kent, WA 98042)  Guests must arrive promptly at 1:00pm to be included in the services.  A Celebration of Life Open House will follow from 2:30pm-5:00pm at the Murai Residence. (4341 232^nd Court SE, Sammamish, WA 98075)  Please RSVP to ksheen at the following email address for the Open House and to receive written directions for either venue.