Edward "Ed" Leo Maher

Edward Leo Maher, Mr. Ed, Ed or e-d for short, was born in Piqua, OH on June 27, 1941 to Al and Mabel Maher. He graduated from Piqua Catholic High School, served in the Army and then had a career in Aviation.
Ed’s first job was as a bouncer at his parent’s roller skating rink. The late Sunday nights and the early morning Mondays for schools did not always agree with Ed or the nuns who liked to tell Eddie that he was wasting their time. Besides being on the roller hockey team, Ed was also a founder of the Piqua Water Ski club. At 18, Ed was crowned the All-around Ski Champion in Slalom, trick skiing and jumping.
After high school, Ed joined the army and served in Germany. Upon his return, he had a Juke Box route and decided to spend $2 of his earnings on a ride in an airplane and discovered his love of flying! He went to Florida, got his pilot’s licenses and then worked at the Dayton airport. He got to fly with astronaut John Glenn, Ervin and Zoe Nutter (founders of the Nutter Center at Wright State University) and Larry Flynt Jr, American Publisher (Hustler).
Ed moved to Indianapolis in 1971 to work as an air traffic controller until he got fired by President Ronald Reagan. After that, Ed returned to flying. He worked as a private pilot for Hooks SuperX, Just Add Water Boats/Bob Thompson and then retired from Eagle Creek Aviation where he not only flew but was also a flight instructor. As a pilot, Ed flew to every continental state, Cuba, Mexico, Columbia, Puerto Rico and island hopped in the Caribbean’s.
In October of 1988, Ed participated in the La Carrera Pan Americana, a vintage car race with Joseph Sexton in Mexico. Joe was the driver and Ed was the navigator. While in Mexico, Ed also tried out bull fighting. In 1989, they participated in The Interstate Battery Great American Race and went from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Before retiring, Ed flew NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart and Sterling Marlin and singer/actor Donny Osmond. Ed’s philosophy was to make sure that you loved what you do and he definitely loved flying!
Not only did Ed know how to have fun at work, but he was also the life of the party outside of work. Ed loved water skiing, snow skiing, playing tennis, playing cards, casino action and cruising. All these things, he loved doing with members of his family and friends. Many summers were spent at Lake Freeman where it was not uncommon to see Ed out on the wave runner, driving his boat or just relaxing on the deck. Ed had the patience of a saint when it came to teaching others how to do the things he enjoyed, especially teaching all the younger generation how to water ski. His smile was the greatest when he was watching others he loved enjoying these activities.
Ed is survived by his companion, Jane Wolski, mother of his children, Jean Maher, son, Nathan (Christie) Maher, daughters, Lora (Brian) Prange and Rachel Maher. Granddaughters Courtney and Madison Maher and grandsons, Matthew and Christian Prange. Brother, Randy (Karyn) Maher and sisters Ann Nicodemus, Pat (Jay) Jure and Cathy (Tom) Spurgeon. Ed was preceded in death by his son Matt Maher, brothers William and Mike Maher and sister Eileen Huffman.

Friends and family are welcome to gather after the service for a meal to celebrate life and loved ones at the Fatima Event Center (formerly Knights of Columbus), 1040 N Post road, Indianapolis, 46219.