Tim Redfern

Tim Redfern set sail from Owensboro Sunday, August 23, 2015, at the age of 63. Tim grew up with the love and care of his parents, enjoying the idyllic life of Owensboro, riding his bike with friends through the south Allen Street neighborhood of the 1950's. He graduated from Owensboro High School where he had been a member of the OHS track team and successfully outran all pursuers but for Kathi Neudecker. A state champion hurdler, he was coached and mentored by Bob Puckett and Ken Willis who encouraged him to pursue a college education, guiding him to a track scholarship at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

After transferring to Murray State University, Tim began lifelong friendships with his Alpha Tau Omega brothers. His love affair with the water, from growing up on the beaches of Daytona to daily visits to the Sportscenter swimming pool, took on a new dimension when he found himself close to Kentucky Lake. After graduating from Murray with a degree in Engineering Technology, Tim married Kathi and to the surprise of both returned to their hometown where they raised their two sons. Tim and Kathi were blessed with forty years together, sharing so many, many special times with family and dear friends. He spent his professional career at Owensboro Municipal Utilities from which he retired as Supervisor of Operations.

Tim was a Boy Scout leader, serving as assistant scoutmaster of the former Troop 24 of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. He discovered his passion for sailing with the troop at Camp Roy C. Manchester on Kentucky Lake. Tim guided his sons through scouting and took pride in their both becoming Eagle Scouts. He was happy they followed in his footsteps through Owensboro Public Schools and Murray State University, although there was a degree of concern when they both pledged Sigma Chi.

Following his retirement Tim bought his sailboat, Escargot, and spent many peaceful days on the lake. His crew of grandchildren learned quickly of his love for sailing and affectionately called him Popeye. He enjoyed classical music, world travel, and was looking forward to visiting the Grand Canyon.

Tim is survived by his wife Kathi Neudecker Redfern; First Mate Nick, his wife Whitney and their sons Braedon and Blaine of Louisville; Second Mate Taylor, his wife Christy and their son Cooper and daughter Hayden of Raleigh, NC; his beloved parents Clarence and Nancy Stovall Redfern; and his in-laws Tom and JoAnn Neudecker.

The memorial service for Tim will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where friends may call from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and after 1:00 p.m. Thursday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Owensboro Public Schools Foundation for Excellence or Camp Roy C. Manchester Sailing Program.