INDIANAPOLIS — State Senator Jack Sandlin has died, according to the Marion County Republican Party.
Sandlin represented District 36, which covers most of downtown Indianapolis into Johnson County. He was elected to the State Senate in 2016.
Marion County Republican Party Chairman Joe Elsener released the following statement regarding Sandlin’s death:
We are incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of Senator Jack Sandlin. Jack lived a life in service to his community from his time on the police force, through his tenure as a city-county councilor, and finally as a state senator representing the Southside. His voice and impact on our city will certainly be missed. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this time.
Joe Elsener
Sandlin is survived by his wife, Lydia, his daughter, Carrie, and his grandchildren.
State Rep. Mike Speedy, Indianapolis, also released the following statement about his friend.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Jack Sandlin. I am still in shock. I am thankful to have been his friend. I am thankful to have served with him. I met him twenty years in various capacities in local and state government, and our party in Perry Township. His life was one of public service and leadership. Whether it was serving in the United States Army, the Indianapolis Police Department, Perry Township Trustee, the Indianapolis City-County Council or the State Senate, he wanted to lead, guide and put our community on a better path. He brought a unique blend of skills in business and law enforcement. He had a longstanding private detective and fraud investigation business that was an outshoot of his internal affairs work at IPD. I’ve heard him described as a human lie detector. He had great instincts on when some one was trying to bluff, blow smoke, or otherwise be untruthful to him. This was especially useful in his public service. I will sorely miss him - not just his law enforcement expertise. I was often his House sponsor on his pro-law enforcement legislation. He prepared me well. But I will miss seeing him at the legislative Bible study during session and at other local prayer gatherings and bible studies. Knowing his priorities, knowing the strength of his Christian faith, I take comfort that he’s experiencing unspeakable joy at this moment. My prayers are with his wife, Lydia, daughter, Carrie, and three beautiful grand children, AJ, Dean and Elise. While we all mourn, he rejoices. Well done, Jack. You served with distinction and left a wonderful legacy.
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