Edward A. Morgan Jr., 1931–2025

Edward A. Morgan Jr., a man whose life was defined by innovation, speed, and a love for the water, was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, in 1931. From a young age, he displayed a natural mechanical talent—rebuilding boat engines, working on cars, and setting the stage for a lifetime of ingenuity.

During the Korean War, Edward served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Alaska, where he rebuilt dozens of cars for fellow servicemen and himself. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Guinther. Their marriage spanned 54 years until Barbara's passing in 2006, and together they raised three children—Susan, Edward III, and Mark—along with welcoming three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Returning to Michigan after his service, Edward continued pursuing his passion for mechanics, eventually shifting from car racing to hydroplane racing—much to his wife's concern about safety. Ironically, the hydroplanes proved even more dangerous, but Edward's custom-built high-performance engines made him unbeatable. He broke his own world speed record three times, earning a place in the Racing Hall of Fame. Known for his meticulous nature, he famously kept his white racing pants and shirt spotless, even in the pits.

His love for speed extended to boating, where he built powerful engines for recreational use. His famed red offshore racer, The Slammer, could exceed 85 mph—faster than the speedometer could register. In Florida, he outfitted it with outriggers for deep-sea fishing, blending power with practicality.

In the early 1960s, Edward founded Morgan Products Inc., a precision aircraft parts manufacturer whose clients included the U.S. military, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, MTU, and Fiat. The company became known for producing parts no other shop could make—some of which are still in service today. General Electric even restricted certain bids to Morgan Products alone. A respected businessman, Edward also served on the Board of Directors for the National Bank of Wyandotte Taylor and was active in the Rotary Club.

In the late 1960s, after deep-sea fishing trips with friends from Grosse Ile, Edward purchased a condo on Hutchinson Island, becoming a snowbird who split his time between fishing and golfing in Florida and managing his business in Michigan. After selling Morgan Products in 1985, he remained an entrepreneur, founding Stuart Propeller and Marine in 1986—a business now owned and run by his son Edward for over a decade.

Over the years, his passion for boating expanded to owning multiple vessels, all at the same time, for different purposes—speed, cruising, and fishing. He served as Commodore of both the Wyandotte Yacht Club and the Stuart Yacht and Country Club, and as President of the Grosse Ile Country Club, all while enjoying tennis, golf, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

Honoring his wife's love for travel, Edward explored the world as a member of the Michigan Nomads Travel Club and through voyages with Seabourn Cruises.

A few years ago, he relocated to Florida full-time, where he enjoyed the warm climate, the water he loved, and the company of friends and family.

Edward A. Morgan Jr. was a man of boundless energy, remarkable skill, and unwavering determination. He built a life marked by adventure, achievement, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.