Everett Howard Sheffield

Everett Sheffield passed away in Pocatello Idaho after a long struggle with dementia. Everett was born in St Augustine Texas in 1936 to Alembert and Allie Stalsby Sheffield.  He was the youngest of four, his two brothers, Ellis and Alembert Jr. Sheffield preceded him in death while his sister Evelyn Stefanick survives him.

At the tender age of 16, Everett joined the Navy by forging his birth certificate.  He soon achieved the rank of chief petty officer by age 21.  After leaving the Navy, he became an instructor in the U.S. Air Force, training others in sophisticated electronics that controlled complex weapons systems.  This became the foundation for a long career at Litton Guidance and Control Systems where he worked on the cruise missile program based at Boeing Field.  He enjoyed his career and took great pride in his work.  He also continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until his retirement.

Everett met Peggy Pruitt in Houston, Texas at a Methodist Singles dance locally referred to as “The Horse Show.”   They married soon after in 1963 and started their family.  Everett is survived by his five children, Paige Sheffield, Pamela and (Ryan) Hall, Nancy and (Burke) Holbrook, Mason and (Ashley) Sheffield and Cydney Sheffield and 17 grandchildren.  He was sealed to his family in the Los Angeles Temple in 1975 after they had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Everett loved anything aviation related.  He joined the Civil Air Patrol and obtained a private pilot’s license. He enjoyed day trips flying out over the San Juan Islands.  After moving to San Diego, he then became an avid sailor enjoying days on the water with his children.  Another memorable hobby was being a movie extra in a variety of film productions in the Seattle area.

Everett and Peggy enjoyed travelling the world during retirement visiting Japan, Singapore, England, and Australia using space available on military flights which made for some interesting adventures.  Everett was an adventurous, kind and loving gentleman of few words who will be sadly missed by his family and friends.  A memorial celebrating his life will be held at the Highland Stake Center in Pocatello, Idaho on Tuesday April 5th at 11am.