Joseph T. Sandefur passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by his family. Born in Calhoun, Kentucky on July 24, 1925, he spent his early days helping his family on the farm struggle through the Great Depression. When WWII called him into action, J.T. joined the Army Air Corps as a radio operator and navigator.

He began his career in education as a middle school teacher and quickly advanced to a principal at Daviess County High School, Kentucky. After degrees from Western Kentucky University and a doctorate from Indiana University, he began his career in higher education as an associate professor at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. In 1971 he became Dean of the Graduate College at WKU, then accepted the role of Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in 1973, the position from which retired in 1990.

As a leader, J.T. was interested in new ideas and innovations, publishing a number of articles, monographs, and research papers throughout his career. He rose in national prominence to become the President of American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) in 1978, leading to the Pomeroy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education in 1988. As a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), J.T. held a number of executive positions in the organization.

Along with being a professional mentor for many, he will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing, coin collecting, clock making, his 1918 Willys Overland, and harmonica performances. However, his greatest love was his beloved wife of 72 years, Martha Courtney Kelly. He is survived by his son, Patrick Kelly; his daughter, Sarah Jo; daughter-in-law, Denise; and his grandchildren Alan, Logan, Destiny, and Victor.

A graveside service with military honors will held at 3:00pm on December 1, 2023, at Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel.