Martin Jepson, age 88, of Wheaton, Illinois died on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Martin was born on July 23, 1928 in Chicago Illinois, the son of Carl and Edna Jepson of Elgin, Illinois.

Martin developed a strong work ethic as the oldest of eight children, finding creative ways to contribute to his family's well-being. He graduated from Elgin High School, and enlisted in the Navy on his eighteenth birthday.  He served two tours of duty as an Electronics Technician during WWII and the Korean War. This experience enabled him to attend Purdue University on the GI Bill where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. He married Marlene in 1952, and after graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1953, began a career with AT&T and the Bell Telephone System. Over 38 years, Martin held a variety of engineering and management positions in the telecommunications field. His contributions include designing some of the earliest mobile radiotelephone systems, developing switching systems, testifying in the litigation associated with the breakup of AT&T to the "baby Bells", and representing AT&T in defining the ASCII code standard.

Martin served his community in many ways including President of the Wheaton Jaycees and volunteer at the local food pantry. He contributed decades of service to Wheaton Kiwanis, serving as President and then two terms as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Division #9. With Kiwanis he built lego tables for all District 200 schools and participated in the annual Fish-O-Rama, Pancake Breakfast, and the development of Safety City in Wheaton's Toohey Park. Kiwanis Club of Wheaton was later awarded the Elliott Trophy for the Safety City initiative. Martin was recognized with the Luis V. Amador Medallion Award as he epitomized the objectives of Kiwanis.

As a young man, Martin was positively influenced by his experience as a Boy Scout and later served as a Scoutmaster and the proud father of two Eagle Scouts. He enjoyed Scout outings, taught skills to many Scouts, and continued to enjoy cooking over a campfire with his grandchildren later in life.

Martin found many opportunities to share his faith. He coordinated the Contemporary Concerns Breakfast Club, which encouraged awareness, discussion and prayer related to current issues. Martin was among the original founders of Hope Presbyterian Church and continued to serve as Elder, Deacon, Pastoral Partner and on various committees. He was known for his gift of prayer and opened every meeting, family gathering and special occasion with an original, relevant and thoughtful message.

Martin leaves behind many loved ones including Marlene, his wife of 64 years; daughter Marsha Jay (Jim);  sons Steven Jepson (Genevieve), and Stewart Jepson; grandchildren Tyler, Bridget, Jack, Aubrey and Davis Jepson and James, Johnathan and Jacob Jay; brothers David, Bill and Ken Jepson; and sister Edna Mae Kinst. In addition to his parents, preceding him in death were grandson Brant Steven Jepson, brother Robert Jepson and sisters Elaine Reese and Beatrice Wilson.

A Memorial Visitation will begin at noon, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm at Hope Presbyterian Church , 1771 W. Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton, IL 60189.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hope Presbyterian Church or Kiwanis Club of Wheaton .

The family would like to thank the staff of Wynscape Health & Rehabilitation for their loving care and exceptional thoughtfulness during his stay.