If you haven’t yet heard, Steve Sheetz – our first president – passed away Sunday, Jan. 4 from respiratory complications at the age of 77.
Steve was our first president whose leadership set the tone for the Hall of Fame from the outset of its formation.
He served as president from 1986-94 and remained on the Board of Directors and Selection Committee until his passing.
We’re grateful for his generosity and guidance.
In an interview this past summer, Steve marveled and took pride in how the Hall of Fame has sustained its place in the community.
“I think it’s amazing,” he said in July. “I think of the early years how we did it annually and we said, ‘we’re going to run out of people.’ And that’s not true at all. And the way these former athletes look at this as an honor – and their families – oh my goodness. That’s fulfilling to watch, to see how they react and how excited they are to be recognized. We had such renown athletes early on – the first two years, it was off the chart. But there’s still a lot who should be recognized.”
We also mourn the passing of Jim Lane, who passed away on Monday, Jan. 5 at the age of 85.
Jim had been a member of our Selection Committee, like Steve, for the HOF’s entire existence, always bringing his usual enthusiasm and wisdom.
In addition to Steve and Jim, the Hall extends its sympathies to the families of past inductees who died since our last banquet in 2024. They are Steve Taneyhill (2010 inductee), Wayne “Buddy” Geis (2010 inductee) and Dick Johnston (2002 inductee).
