Columbus
Ted Leroy Marston passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016.
Ted impacted the lives of all that he touched. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, to enrich the lives of those who knew him and to enhance opportunities for all.
Ted was born June 28, 1928, in Soldier, Iowa, to William Lloyd and Helen Gertrude Hough Marston.
He attended Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, where he was co-captain with his twin brother, Fred, of the football team and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. While at Franklin he met his lifelong partner, Elaine Harrison. They married Dec. 17, 1950.
After serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, Ted was a science teacher, guidance counselor and football coach at Columbus North High School where he also served as representative of the teachers association while taking classes at Harvard University and ultimately completed his master’s degree at the University of Illinois. He left teaching to accept a position in human relations at Cummins Engine Company. Ted served as vice president of Personnel Head of Human Resources for over 25 years. He was responsible for the opening of Cummins facilities across the world, including the Peoples Republic of China, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the Middle East during his tenure. After retiring from Cummins, Ted and his close friend, Walt Divin, started and managed their own business.
Ted was a huge part of the Foundation For Youth in Columbus alongside Gene Gurthet. Education was always an integral part of Ted’s life. He served on the Indiana State Board of Education. He was a trustee of Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and received an honorary degree. He maintained his ties to Franklin College as a member of the Board of Trustees where he also served as president of the board and devoted considerable time and energy in helping rebuild following the disastrous fire. He was appointed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the administration of President Jimmy Carter.
After his second retirement, Ted and Elaine worked with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in South Florida. This program is where crop pickers migrated to work along with the children in the fields. None of these children had finished a high school education. Ted helped these kids further their education and go on to college. Ted was known for his widespread philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education, public service and as a champion of civil rights.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred Marston; and his infant son, Matthew.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Missie (Tom) Schulz and Mike (Kristen) Marston; and his grandchildren, Thomas Jr., Nathan, Matthew and Alex Schulz and Theo, Max, Frankie and Lola Marston.
Ted Leroy Marston will remain in the hearts of everyone who ever had the privilege to be part of his life. God bless him.
A private family graveside service will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.
A public memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Harrison Lake Country Club, 588 South Country Club Road in Columbus, with Chaplain Annette Barnes officiating. A celebration of life gathering will immediately follow the service at the country club.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 East 17th St., Columbus, Indiana 47201 or the Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave, Columbus, Indiana 47201. Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Marston family at barkesweaverglick.com.
barkesweaverglick.com
