Edward Merton Heiden was born on March 7, 1934 as the fifth child of Lewis and Zina (Robinson) Heiden.

He worked at the Fisher Body factory in Lansing, Michigan before retiring in 1986 after 30 years of service.

On May 10, 1952, he married Dolores Janet Thomas. They were married for 72 years and had three children while living in Haslett, Michigan. In later life, they also lived in Ruskin, Florida.

Edward passed away on November 2024 at the age of 90. He is buried at East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos, Michigan.