Donald Wayne Sandifer

Donald Wayne Sandifer, 89, of Owensboro passed away at home on June 18, 2026 while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 13, 1937 to Barron Scott Sandifer and Myrtice Simpson Sandifer. He is survived by his wife - Shirley Prow Sandifer; his three children – David Wayne Sandifer (Laura Kaye), Douglas Scott Sandifer (Laura Renee), and Dana Lyn Sandifer – all of Owensboro, Kentucky; four grandchildren – Declan Sandifer, Barbara (Bobbi) Bartlett (Mason), Dax Sandifer, and Shelby Sandifer; one great-grandson – Miller Bartlett; three stepchildren – Stacey Utley of Owensboro, Craig Utley (Shelly) of Nolensville TN, and Brian Utley (Seana) of Hendersonville TN; three step-grandchildren – Jeffrey Utley, Elizabeth Utley, and Ashlyn McPherson-Utley; two stepchildren and four step-grandchildren by his second marriage.

Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children – Barbara Burkett Sandifer; his second wife – Jerri Gabriel Sandifer; his parents; and his brother – James Richard Sandifer.

Wayne received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Christianity from Mercer University, a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Emory University. He was a professor of New Testament and Philosophy at Kentucky Wesleyan College for 17 years, and a parttime teacher at Mercer University for 11 years.

In addition to his teaching and lifelong church involvement, Wayne enjoyed many activities. He was a weekend golfer for years, a very active worker with Habitat for Humanity, and a woodworker (mostly smaller pieces such as candlesticks and bowls, but also several pieces of furniture and some hobby horses for grandchildren). He loved traveling and made frequent trips abroad, visiting at least 15 different countries. He was in the National Guard while in college, and the Reserves for a few years afterward.

He had a wicked sense of humor, and family gatherings involved a lot of good-natured heckling in both directions.

His Memorial Service will be held at Third Baptist Church, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon with visitation before the service, 10:00A.M.-11:45A.M. Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested for the music ministry at Third Baptist Church and Habitat for Humanity.

Memories and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com