Martin Gregory picGregory J Martin, 68, Indianapolis: On February 28th Greg Martin succumbed to his battle with cancer surrounded by his family. Greg was born on September 14th, 1950 to Carl and Marie (Lueth) Martin of Irvington. A natural born athlete, Greg, took to many sports at a very young age. Greg’s gift was realized early in life, achieving what very few let alone at the age of 13 have ever accomplished: striking out every batter he faced throwing “the perfect game” while playing in the Chrysler League on Indy’s east side. Greg was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1968, lettering in baseball, basketball, and, of course, golf. While his baseball abilities drew interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Greg’s golfing ability earned him a Scholarship to Hanover College, which he accepted, finishing as a Conference Champion his Junior year. Other college honors included the acquisition of the nickname “Penguin” dubbed by his Lamba Chi Alpha Brothers and teammates, as well as many other unspoken stories and memories that followed. After college, and a failed attempt at PGA qualifying school, Greg returned home to Indianapolis, working for the Department of Transportation where he met many of his long time friends. A few short years later, while bowling Scotch Doubles, he was introduced to Karen, a moment that would truly change the course of his life. On December 13th, 1975, Greg and Karen said, “I do” and began a journey that lasted 43 years. They were best friends, lovers, and soon to be parents. Shortly after they were married, Greg answered a job ad looking for a Draftsman. He accepted a position at General Devices where he worked over 20 years as a slide and CAD engineer. Some of Greg’s design and input went into the dashboard for the original Military Hum V and many cabinet slides for the original IBM and Dell servers. In 1978, Greg and Karen welcomed their first child, Nicholas, to the world (which some would call a product of “the blizzard of ‘78”), and their second child Adrianne in 1982. Athletics remained a very big part of his life. Greg spent many nights playing softball and bowling. He would tell you of all his sports memories in life, none meant more to him than the Christ Lutheran Softball Team. He often said some of his best friends came into his life because of that team, and he loved to tell stories of that time. Father Time might have taken him off the field of play, it could not, however, keep him off the sidelines. Greg coached countless soccer, little league, and basketball teams, and was a founding member of Oaklandon Youth Organization (O.Y.O) Little League, as well as, a Pack Leader for the Lawrence Chapter, Cub Scouts of America. As his kids grew so did his coaching interests. Greg coached Girls Softball at Lawrence Central, Cathedral, Howe High School and was Assistant Coach to his daughter at Fall Creek Valley. Greg was also a fan of the sports he loved. He was a devoted fan of professional sports.  He loved talking and reading about his favorite teams and athletes, including the Yankees, Cubs, Colts, Pacers, Indiana Basketball, Jeff Gordon, Tiger Woods, and, of course, Jack Nicklaus. In 1986, Greg became a founding member of “The O.O.C.” where he had many life long neighbors that were very near and dear to him.  He would often speak how lucky we were to have such a tight knit court where many families became, over time, one big family that always made it a joy to come home.  Greg would tell you his favorite two weeks of the year was time spent with his family and friends up North at Timber Bay Lodge (Believe us, he would tell you all about it).  Not only were there many lasting memories, fishing stories, and laughs, he also had the honor of giving his daughter’s hand away in marriage. Greg Martin is survived by his loving wife Karen (Clinton) of 43 years. His son, Nicholas Martin (Erin) and daughter, Adrianne (Carl) Overby. Brother-in-Law Jeffrey(Jill) Clinton. His puggle, Harley, and many other family and friends.  Greg is preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Marie Martin and, his other puggle, Gracie.  A Celebration of Life is planned for Greg on April 12th at Indian Lake Country Club at 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in his honor to the JimmyV.org Cancer Research Foundation.