Entrepreneur, philanthropist & community leader passes away at 65
Westfield’s own Paul Estridge, Jr., a highly respected community and business leader in central Indiana, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8 at Methodist Hospital with his family by his side. He was 65.
While being a successful entrepreneur will be part of Paul’s legacy, his passion was his commitment to his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Judy; a beloved father to his three children, Mary Ellen McIntyre (Coleman), Elyse Harvey (Scott), and Joshua Estridge; and a cherished Pappy to Cashel Timothy McIntyre, Amos Paul McIntyre, and Ruth Rose Harvey.
He was the son of Paul Estridge Sr., the founder of Estridge Homes. The company has developed homes in central Indiana for more than five decades.
He was recognized by OneZone Chamber of Commerce in January 2022 with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Reporter reached out to several folks within the Westfield community and received comments from Westfield Mayor Andy Cook’s office, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Basile Westfield Playhouse Board of Directors. Those comments follow.
Mayor Andy Cook
“Paul Estridge Jr. was a true pillar of this community. Whether in business, philanthropy, or just being a friend,” Mayor Cook said. “He taught us how to come through trying times and come back stronger. Many may not remember that Paul was instrumental in conceiving a sports facility that became Grand Park. He will be sorely missed in Westfield.”
Westfield Chamber of Commerce
“Our community lost a good man this weekend. Today our prayers are with the Estridge family and Estridge Homes staff as the Westfield Chamber is sad to learn of the passing of Westfield resident Paul Estridge, who passed on Jan. 8. Paul went out of his way to support numerous Westfield charities as well as support local leaders of all ages. When Westfield Chamber CEO Steve Latour took over, Paul reached out to meet with him, something someone of his stature and accomplishment was not required to do, but he did it because he believed in Westfield and all of Hamilton County.
“I will always appreciate the friendship he extended to me at that first meeting,” Latour said. “His legacy lives on in the Estridge brand and Westfield organizations he has supported over the years. Thank you for your service, Paul. You will be missed.”
Basile Westfield Playhouse
“The Basile Westfield Playhouse Board of Directors recently learned of the passing of developer Paul Estridge of Estridge Homes, and we express our heartfelt sadness upon hearing of this event.
“Although it is not widely known, in 2017 our theater group had been presenting plays for 19 years at an old church that was not equipped with running water or bathrooms. By 2017, the condition of the building was dire, and we approached Paul, seeking advice on how we should spend our limited funds moving forward regarding the building.
“Paul did not hesitate. He had been looking for a legacy project, and on that day we began our partnership and our partnership with the city that resulted in our opening our beautiful new facility in downtown Westfield in August 2020. Since then, the theater has flourished, presenting successful shows and bringing the arts to Westfield.
“None of this would have happened without Paul Estridge, who funded the majority of the project from his family’s legacy foundation. We will always be in his debt. Rest in peace, friend.”