Leonard Wesley Martin

LCDR Leonard W. Martin (ret.) was born in Arizona, USA on November 17, 1947, to Helon and Leonard Huff. As a young man, Len had an interest in many hobbies and an affinity for math. He moved to San Diego, California where he spent most of his youth and loved going surfing and getting some “sun”. When he graduated high school he set his sights on a path that would offer him a life long career as well as many opportunities which was the U.S. Navy. He originally enlisted but decided to take the next step and go to college to get a better career opportunity. He decided to go to Purdue University to pursue a BS in aeronautical engineering in Indiana and completed his degree in 1974 and completed the naval officer training in Rhode Island. While attending Purdue at a dinner he met Ann Colleen Spencer. The two liked each other from the start with Len’s whit and humor providing the laughs and his charm providing the romance. They dated for several months and decided to get married and start a family. On December 27,1972, Ann Colleen Spencer became a Martin. They were soon blessed with a son Scott Dion (1973) and a year later almost on his birthday was blessed with a daughter Shelley Dawn (1974). It was several years later that on a assignment change he was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a training liaison officer with the Coast Guard. And though this seemed like a dark time for him there was a blessing there, he had another son Sean David (1981). Through this, his spirits were lifted and continued to be the best husband and father possible. A few years later he was blessed with the last of his children a son Sheffey Dannon (1984). After retiring from the Navy he and his family settled down in Indiana where his wife’s family was. Robert and Winona Spencer welcomed him and his family back home.

Through the years Len had many, many hobbies like: woodworking, leatherworking, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, gardening, sports, hiking, camping, just to name a few but his Favorite hobby was spending time with his family. No matter how bad the day was, no matter what happened, he would be there for his family. He loved sharing time with his family like making cakes or cookies, popping popcorn and playing a board game, or even cutting hair. Nothing was too small for him and no problem was too big. His faith in God and desire to serve only strengthened his resolve to help all he could. He enjoyed attending various independent Baptist churches. And he was a member of Shadeland Baptist Church. His degree in engineering helped him to explain math to his kids and as they grew up and got married, explain math to his grandkids. His love for his family has always been present and his desires for hugs and kisses helped to make his love known even when nothing was said. His handshakes, whistle’s, hugs and kisses will be missed by all those fortunate enough to received them.

On Tuesday October 19, 2021,  @ 930p Len was welcomed home to Heaven. He almost made his 50th anniversary with his wife by 1 year and 2 months. He was surrounded by the family he cherished and raised as best he could and the loss of his voice and comforting arms are already felt. Though the comfort of knowing we will see him again is great, it is hard to overcome the grief we all feel for the early passing of one so dear. He is with Robert and Winona waiting for his wife, children, and grandchildren. The wife of his youth, the children, and grandchildren are grateful for the the twinkle in his blue eyes and the love that he taught and shared so freely. You are loved Len and though you are in heaven you have a family that cannot express the magnitude of the loss we feel while we wait to see you again!!

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 11AM-1PM, with a service beginning at 1PM, at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 10722 E Washington St. The service will be live streamed here.