Dr. Richard Maxwell Sandefur, Jr.

Dr. Richard Maxwell Sandefur Jr., age 75, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 14, 2025, with his beloved wife holding his hand as he went home to Jesus. He was born on February 6, 1950, in Henderson, KY, to the late Richard "Dick" Maxwell Sandefur and Ima Mae (Thurner) Sandefur.

Richard grew up in the small town of Campbellsville, Kentucky, where he was an exceptionally bright child.

A proud Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Richard earned his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University. He went on to attend Washington University for medical school. While in school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, serving his country with honor.

After completing his military service, Richard began his medical practice in 1981, making Evansville, Indiana, his home. He established a long and successful career as an OB-GYN, and was loved and adored by his patients.

Richard was a founding physician and played a key role in the development of The Women’s Hospital, helping to increase access to women's healthcare throughout the region. He served for many years as Chairman of the Board and retired in 2017. He took great pride in the hospital’s high employee satisfaction ratings and believed strongly in fostering a positive environment where both doctors and nurses provided the best care possible.

He was also a devoted member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and served on several committees, contributing generously of his time and talents. He was a kind, giving, and deeply loving person and positively impacted the lives of so many around him. He absolutely adored his wife, whom he always called "beautiful." She became his loyal, devoted caregiver. Richard loved playing tennis, traveling the world, and had a passion for fast cars; he enjoyed driving, owning, and customizing them. He believed exploring the world was essential to personal growth and never turned down a good challenge.

He is survived by his loving wife, Samantha Jo Sandefur; five children; four bonus children; seven grandchildren; his sister, Diane Holder; Godson, Chris Holder; and his cherished fur babies, Carmen and Stanley.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, with Fr. Bernie Etienne officiating. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, and Richard will be laid to rest at St. John Cemetery after the funeral.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Vanderbilt University Medical Center at:

https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/give/246900/#!/donation/checkout