Lee C. Marble

Lee C. Marble was born to the late John Marble and the late Daisy L. Harper- Marble, a sharecropper and a homemaker in Sharkey, Mississippi, on September 25, 1936. Lee migrated with his father and four siblings to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1953, after the passing of his mother. Seventeen-year-old Lee worked as a dishwasher in a downtown Indianapolis hotel. Lee knew his meager education would not permit him to achieve his entrepreneurial ambitions. Lee applied to an apprentice program offered by IUPUI for Culinary Arts, where he excelled. Lee became a short-order cook and quickly advanced to the position of Sous Chef. Through his hard work and perseverance, management promoted him to the position of Chef de Cuisine, a chef that manages the kitchen and other chefs. His peers inducted him into the Chef de Cuisine Association, which propelled him to the highest designation of Executive Master Chef. Lee's reputation of being an astute manager and a highly skilled chef; launched him into becoming a highly respected asset to the most prestige hotels in the city. Lee's ambition and hard work propelled him to the pinnacle of his profession, but Lee's desire to be a business owner wasn't satisfied. With the help of the strong women of his family, Lee began his journey of becoming a successful and highly regarded businessman and leader in the community. He learned the supply side of the business by working at night for some of the largest restaurant purveyors in the city, such as Stark and Wetzel, MacFarlings Foods, and Hene Meat Company. His working relationship allowed him to forge not only a working relationship with the owners but also lasting friendships. Lee didn't forget his southern roots; he infused family recipes into all of his creations and restaurants, from the city of Cicero to Indianapolis, Indiana. Marbles Cafeteria in the historic Lockfield Gardens, Michigan Road location, and Marbles Southern Cookery on Lafayette Rd., was a must-visit for celebrities, sports figures, politicians, and dignitaries. His southern cuisine was renowned in the community and was a Sunday must-visit. The peach cobbler was one of the signature recipes he perfected to perfection, and a must have by all patrons. Lee didn't contain his ambitions to just being a restaurateur; he also owned and operated a grocery store in the Highland Park area of the city and participated in the city's food outreach program. In addition, for many years, he and his family operated a convenience store on North Pershing Ave in the Haughville area. Lee's commitment to service and community placed him on the Marion County City Council. In addition, he met with U.S. Senators and dined with Former President Bill Clinton. Lee wasn't all work and no play; he studied Isshin-ryu Karate under sensei M.L. Allen and earned the designation of a black belt. In addition, Lee loved music and, in his earlier days, was part of a singing group. Lee's biggest passion far surpassed any personal accomplishment or accolades; the family was his driving force. At 22 years old, he and the late Vivian Christiane Foster married on September 23, 1955. They were married for 43 years. Their union produced nine children raised with love and commitment. Family unity, honesty, a strong work ethic, and love were the values they instilled in each child. Lee involved all family members in his endeavors, including aunts, uncles, nieces' nephews, and grandchildren, not only to teach a skill set: but, most importantly, life skills. He would say," without family, you are nothing," and he attributed all of his accomplishments to family. A man from such humble beginnings to accomplish so much on his journey leaves a legacy of being an entrepreneur, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community leader, but most importantly, an example of what strong work ethics, determination, honesty, and family values can achieve. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, John and Daisy Marble, loving wife Vivian Christiane Foster, son Lloyd Elton Marble, and sister Annie Mae Nelon -Marble, brothers: John Marble Jr., Charles Marble, Albert Marble, and his canine companion Max Marble. Lee C. Marble departed this life on Wednesday, August 03, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughters; Sheila A. Buckner (Robert Buckner deceased), Linda Marble, Lassandra J. Campbell, Pamela Buckley (John Buckley), Vivian Brown (Norman P. Brown), and his sons; Glenn K. Foster, Calvin L. Marble, and Darrell Marble. Host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.