Edward J. Guard, Sr.

Edward John Guard Sr., 87, of Maitland, Florida passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to John H. Guard and Katherine Mumme on October 24, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland. Ed was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute of Baltimore Maryland and began working for the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company as an aircraft designer in 1940. Two years later he served his country during WWII aboard a Navy LSM in the South Pacific. After the war Ed returned to Baltimore and continued his work with the Martin Company. The first jet seaplane (SEAMASTER) started on his drawing board. In 1956 he and his wife Virginia and their two small children transferred to Orlando, Fl. to continue his career with The Martin Co., soon to become Martin Marietta Corporation. He continued a successful career with Martin Marietta for 40 years as Director of their Prototype Division. During his years at Martin Co., Ed was very involved with Junior Achievement mentoring young adults. Upon retirement in 1982, Ed started his own prototype company, Guard-Lee Inc. of Apopka where, as President and CEO, he continuing to do what he loved, replicating full-life sized models for museums around the world. His space vehicle replicas, the Space Shuttle, the Lunar Lander & Rover, and the Hubble Space Telescope, just to name a few, can be seen at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, Cape Kennedy, and many other museums overseas and around the world. In addition to his many accomplishments Ed, an inventor at heart, was always working on ways to improve things and develop new projects. Ed will be greatly missed by his wife, Edie of 10 years, his daughter, Michelle of Lake Mary, his son, Edward (Jay) and daughter-in-law, Marilynn of Anniston, Al. He was blessed with 3 granddaughters, Silke Guard of Atlanta, GA, Tiffany Ellmore of Maitland, Fl and Nikki Burroughs of Los Angles, CA. A nephew Dennis Guard of Maryland, a niece, Susie Couture of California, a niece Kathie Polenco of Maryland and numerous Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews. Ed's love of life, unwavering optimism, positive attitude, and strong values touched so many, making our lives richer for having known and loved him. His preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his Sisters Bonnie Fastenou and Helen Williamson of California, his brother, William Guard of Maryland, his first wife, Virginia of Maitland and eldest daughter Bonnie Burroughs. A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park, Florida on Friday, June 3rd at 3:00 pm presided over by Father Steven. A reception will be held at the church hall immediately following the memorial service to celebrate the life of Edward J. Guard Sr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to Hospice of the Comforter 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714 www.hospiceoftheComforter.com

Edward J. Guard, Sr.

October 24, 1923 - May 28, 2011