It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Michael Dale Sandefur of Shelbyville, IN — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Here is a glimpse of the life he lived, in his family's own remembrance.
Michael held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The traditions Michael loved will continue to hold those he loved.
Michael Dale Sandefur, 46, of Edinburgh, Indiana passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at University Hospital in Indianapolis.Born on September 16, 1979, in Shelbyville, Mike was the son of Dale and Sharon Sandefur. He was a 1998 graduate from Southwestern High School and Wyoming Tech in 2000. After years of working for the railroad, he opened Sandefur Performance Fabrication, where he built custom pulling tractors and drag racers.Mike attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and was a supporter of FFA and 4H. He was passionate about tractor pulling and piloted The Farmboy’s Fantasy. He later built Crusty and fell in love with drag racing. Mike enjoyed meeting new people and always found a familiar face in the crowd. His greatest achievement and love in life will always be his son, Jake. Mike enjoyed cheering him on from the front row of track meets and spending as much time with him as he could. Mike was always known for his sense of humor, mechanical skills, random knowledge and willingness to get into a bit of mischief.Mike is survived by his son, Jake, of Edinburgh; parents, Dale and Sharon Sandefur, of Edinburgh; brother, Steve (Jane) Sandefur of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; sister, Missy (Andy) Buhr, of Flatville; nephews, Cole Sandefur, Kyle Sandefur, Max Buhr; and niece, Annie Buhr.He was proceeded to his Heavenly reward by grandparents, Carroll and Dorothy Miller, and Burl and Pearl Sandefur; and numerous aunts and uncles.Last respects may be offered from 4 to 8 pm, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville; and from 10 to 11 am, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 4449 South Smithland Road, Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at 11 am, Saturday, at the church.Final arrangements are being made by Freeman Family Funeral Home in Shelbyville and online condolences may be shared with Mike’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.Donations in honor of Mike can be made during the services or mailed to: Jake Sandefur c/o Sharon Sandefur, PO Box 22, Edinburgh, IN 46124.The family is requesting any stories or photos to help keep every possible memory of Mike alive.
