SOUTHPORT
Indiana State Senator Jack Sandlin, beloved husband, father, granddaddy, brother and distinguished Son of Indiana, died unexpectedly on September 20, 2023. News and personal accounts of his passing are unequivocal about his commitment to his family, integrity, and principled passion for the well-being of the community he served. His enormous commitment to public service, to family, and to community was consistent with his deep faith in Christ.
Jack was born to Lewis and Betty Sandlin in Brightwood, inner-city Indianapolis, in November 1950, as the third of eight children. The Sandlin family moved to Johnson County where he graduated from Greenwood High School in 1969. Upon graduating, he joined the Indianapolis Police Department as a cadet and almost immediately entered the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam, specifically training canines, and at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, with the Military Police. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Indiana and enlisted in the Indiana National Guard, and simultaneously picked up his career in law enforcement with IPD, beginning as a beat cop. During his esteemed career in law enforcement, he was a sniper with the SWAT Team, served as an undercover investigator, working with the United States Marshall’s Service. He served as an investigator for the Grand Jury under Marion County Prosecutor, Stephen Goldsmith, notably conducting investigations into public corruption, was named as Officer of the Year, and ultimately rose to the rank of IPD Deputy Chief of Investigations, before retiring in 1993.
Jack was committed to continually expanding his knowledge and qualifications, holding an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Indianapolis, and a Master’s of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Among many other professional development opportunities, Jack sought training at the Dignitary Protection Program run by the U.S. Secret Service in Washington D.C., became a certified arson investigator, and served on the federal drug task force.
Following his time at IPD, Jack utilized his experience as a Certified Fraud Examiner with particular experience in insurance, arson, and white-collar fraud to build a successful private investigation practice. During this time, Jack was an adjunct professor at Vincennes University. He also maintained his credentials in law enforcement, serving with the Southport Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. Jack made law enforcement and public safety a focus of his time in political office where he served as Perry Township Trustee (1997-2006), Indianapolis City-County Councilman (2010-2016), and State Senator (2016-present). Jack maintained staunchly conservative values consistent with his Christian convictions. He was seen as a well-informed and well-researched source of information and was known for working with all parties on various measures, pointedly seeking opposing views on topics under consideration. Many of the bills authored by Jack and passed into law received broad bipartisan support. Jack was admired and respected by colleagues, friends, and even opponents.
Outside of his various professional obligations, Jack spent countless hours volunteering for a number of professional, civic, and Christian organizations. He was involved in volunteering with the Perry Township School system as an Alternative School mentor. He participated in several veteran and law enforcement organizations (American Legion, VFW, FOP), served on the boards of the Perry Township Historical Society, Central Indiana Youth for Christ, and Perry Senior Services. Jack was an active member at Southport Presbyterian Church for almost two decades, where he acted as a Trustee; and then more recently as a member at Hanover Baptist Church in Hanover, Indiana, not far from Madison, Indiana, where he spent most weekends with his wife, daughter and grandchildren
A LOVING FAMILY
Even though a public figure with numerous obligations, Jack was devoted to his family. His time with them was closely guarded. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lydia, their daughter, Carrie, and grandchildren, AJ, Dean and Elise. Jack is also survived by seven bothers and sisters Bobbi (Bob) Oakes, John Sandlin, Max Sandlin, David Sandlin, Toni Starrett, Karen (Randy) Sanderlin, Sharon (Dick) Walker. He will also be missed by brothers-in-laws Charles (Margaret) Cantrell, Dean (Sherry) Cantrell, Paul (Kimberly) Cantrell, along with many nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL CEREMONY
Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. in the Rotunda and North Atrium of the State House at 200 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.
GRAVESIDE CEREMONY
The graveside ceremony will be conducted on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery,1415 North Gate Road in Madison, Indiana. Full miitary honors will be rendered by the Ceremonial Unit.
VISITATION
Visitation: Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 3-7:00 p.m. at the G.H. Hermann Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
Visitation: Friday, September 29, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until service time at the Rotunda at the State House, 200 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.
MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in memory of State Senator Jack Sandlin to the Christian Academy of Madison. Cards are available at the Morgan &Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. Online condolences, remembrances and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com
