Walter E. Justus

Walter E. Justus, 85, a prominent real estate developer from Indianapolis, died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 5, 2002. Walter was the second-generation leader of a four-generation family business founded by Walter’s father, Walter G. Justus, in 1910. Through the years, the Justus Companies have developed and built thousands of custom homes, multi-family apartments, nursing homes, shopping centers, hotels and senior housing communities throughout the Midwest and Southern United States. Walter had a long history of providing quality housing to Indiana residents.

In the late 1950s, Walter conceived the idea for the first Crestwood Village Apartments, a senior housing community in Indianapolis. Walter designed the floor plans and implemented his Crestwood concept, which dominates the Indianapolis area today as one of the more successful projects of its kind, catering to seniors looking for a lifestyle community with all the amenities of home. The Crestwood Village communities that Walter developed and built in the 1950s still thrive today and are the basis for the extended care developments known as Covington Assisted Care communities.

Walter leaves a legacy of quality housing and family tradition that has been carried on by his son, Walter G. Justus, and his grandson, Walter E. Justus. The Justus Companies, headquartered in Indianapolis, continue to develop, build and manage residential and commercial properties throughout the Midwest, and they continue to fulfill Walter’s vision, formed decades ago, of providing quality housing to the senior community. With the third and fourth generations of the Justus family now at the helm, the Justus Companies proudly continue the legacy of Walter E. Justus and founder Walter G. Justus.

Walter was a 50-year member of the Murat Temple in Indianapolis. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and a long-standing member of the Blue Lodge #319 and the Ancient Landmarks Lodge #319, F.A.M. Walter was also a member of the Wallace Street Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and, in Fort Lauderdale, the Second Presbyterian Church and the Coral Ridge Yacht Club.

Walter is survived by his wife, Zona L. Justus; his son, Walter G. Justus; his sister, Velma Daugherty; and his grandchildren, Tamara J. Justus, Simone Spiegel, Babette Justus and Walter E. Justus; and six great-grandchildren.

Excerpts were taken from the paid notice published in the Indianapolis Star/News on February 8, 2002, and the obituary published in the Indianapolis Star/News on February 7, 2002.