Lester "Les" Olds

Lester S. Olds, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on May 18, 2019 at the age of 80. He was born in Chicago, Illinois as the only child to Ruth and Les Olds. Les attended Lane Tech High School and then went on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a degree in Architecture. He married Beverly J. Kent then moved to Texas to serve his Country in the United States Army, specializing in artillery and air defense, before relocating to Indianapolis and continuing to serve in the Reserves for 10 years.
Les became a founding partner of CSO Architects of Indianapolis. This firm grew to be one of Indiana’s largest and most reputable design firms for civic, corporate, and hotel hospitality projects. His impact on the city of Indianapolis was significant, having a role in the development of structures such as: The Circle Center Mall, Indiana Government Center, Keystone at the Crossing, First Indiana Plaza, Embassy Suites, Conseco, Merchant Plaza, and much more. After “retiring” from CSO, he began doing work for the City of Carmel and its development plans to rebuild. He played a major role in the Palladium Project, the Carmel Arts and Design District, the Carmel City Center, and spent 10 years as the executive director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission. At the time of Les’s passing, he was still consulting for the City of Carmel.
Les had integrity, generosity, witty humor, and lived honestly. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and mentor.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 60 years, Beverly; daughters, Rhonda Leap, Robin Olds, and Jennifer Linville; grandchildren, Lindsey Clark, Emily Berger, Cassie Clayton; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Hazel, and Jaxon; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Organization.