Wesley Martin

Wesley Porter Martin April 3, 1919 ~ December 22, 2010 Born in Chicago, the son of Nina Patrick and Murrel Martin. Wes attended Public School #66 in Indianapolis, and Shortridge High School, where he was Junior Class President, Captain of the undefeated City Championship football team, and cartoonist for the daily “Echo.” He graduated in 1941 from the University of Illinois, School of Architecture, where he earned numerous honors including: Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honorary, SCARAB Architectural Honorary, Skull & Crescent Sophomore Honorary, MaWanDa Men’s Honorary, President of Beta Theta Pi (Sigma Rho), and was named All-America 1938-39 in football. An Ensign in the U.S. Navy upon graduation, Wes married his high school sweetheart Luella McWhirter in Indianapolis. Honorably discharged as a Lt. Commander in 1945, Wes joined the Architectural Division of Eli Lilly & Co. and was a registered member of the American Institute of Architects. From 1952 – 1962, he was President of Martin & Jelliffe Architects, which earned regional recognition for contemporary and traditional designs of fine residential housing, motels, banks, retail, manufacturing, private schools and churches. From 1962-82, Wes served as President of Geupel Architects & Engineers, Indianapolis and supervised work for Eli Lilly & Co., General Motors, L.S. Ayers, Inc., Bryant Inc., Midland Container, Riley Tar & Chemical, and Mel Simon & Associates. From 1982 – 2000, Wes had an active private practice specializing in “contemporary-rustic” design for new homes, retreats and remodels. Wes was preceded in death by his wife Luella McWhirter Martin, and daughter Amanda. He precedes his son Patrick (Bloomington) and daughter Faith (St. Paul, MN) and six grandchildren. Above all, he was known and loved for his creative brilliance, wit, humor and generosity. He was a kind, strong man of the highest integrity; a loving father, grandfather and friend. Funeral services will held at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, Tuesday, December 28th, 11:00AM. Burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana Association for Retarded Citizens. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center – Broad Ripple.