Dr. Dan Markham Sandifer-Stech

Reverend Dr. Dan Markham Sandifer-Stech



Reverend Dr. Dan Markham Sandifer-Stech died suddenly in Beijing China on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 56 years of age.

Dan is survived by his parents, Wanda and Dale Sandifer, his wife, Gwendolyn Sandifer-Stech and three daughters, Lily Jing, Chloe Grace, and Emmie Kay; siblings, Dr. Dean Sandifer and his wife Katherine of Lakeland, FL, Dr. Darrell Sandifer and his wife Aimee of Shreveport, LA. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Everette and Battle Markham and Bill and Angie Dell Sandifer.

Dan was born in Shreveport, LA on December 18, 1959 and graduated from Byrd High School in 1978, Baylor University in 1982, Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY with a Master of Divinity and Virginia Tech with a Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Child Development in 1993.

Dan had a passion for teaching and taught at Northwest Christian University in Eugene Oregon, and later at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Dan's passion for ministry led him to become ordained by the United Presbyterian Church and he became the pastor of Congregation Of The Good Shepherd in Beijing from 2006-2010. In 2010 the family returned to the United States and Dan became the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Glendale, Ohio. The family returned to Beijing in August of 2015 to assume teaching positions at the Yew Chung International School and their three girls also attend the same school. At YCIS Dan had positions in the general School Counseling Office and with the University Guidance Office.

Dan enjoyed travelling throughout the world and establishing friendships in many places. Friends have commented on Dan's character, and his kind, gentle nature. He lived a life of love, justice, compassion and mercy. Devoted to his family, he modeled love through his faith, his colleagues, his congregation, his friends and his students. He was a studious and effective backyard gardner, known as a good storyteller and was bright, funny and insightful. In the eyes of his wife and daughters he will always be a great husband and father.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be conducted by Dr. Jeff Raines at the First Baptist Church Chapel on Ockley Drive on Monday, January 18th, at 11 o'clock. Dr. Jeff Raines will conduct the service. Family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts to a church or charity of your choice, or render assistance to someone in need, is suggested.