Lee Morgan Gutheinz

Lee Morgan Gutheinz passed away on Friday, July 17th after a two-year battle with cancer. Lee built a rich life full of loyal friends, a successful military and aerospace career, many (many!) hobbies, and the love of his family and his wife of 54 years, Caryl Ann.

Lee was born in Comanche, Oklahoma on January 23, 1942. Lee grew up in Canton, Ohio where he excelled in school and went on to graduate from THE Ohio University (not the other one in Ohio) and received a graduate degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He served in the Air Force for twenty-six years, including teaching math and physics at the Air Force Academy. He also taught soaring as the only non-rated Air Force pilot. He continued his career at the Pentagon and with two tours at Kirtland Air Force Base where he retired as a Colonel and Vice Commander of the Air Force Weapons Laboratory.

Lee continued his civilian career successfully in the aerospace industry with SAIC, The Aerospace Corporation, SVS Inc., and Boeing. He retired from Boeing as the Albuquerque Site Executive.

In 1970, Lee met the love of his life, Caryl Ann at a mixer at the Kirtland Air Force Officers Club and his confirmed bachelorhood came to an abrupt end. They were married November 4, 1972 at the Air Force Academy. Their 54 year marriage was filled with adventure from welcoming their son Ray, to stints at the Air Force Academy, in Washington DC, travels around the world, building three houses and owning somewhere around 40 cars.

Lee may not have been the Most Interesting Man in the World, but he was the most interesting man in our world. He had broad interests, passions, and curiosity that were evident after a conversation with him (or a tour of his garage). Lee loved science, science fiction - Star Wars above all - cars, reading, playing the guitar, astronomy, his vast t-shirt collection, cars, Greek culture and language, food, wine, cars, coffee, and travel. Friday nights were made for going to the movies and patios were made for enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

What stands out above Lee’s many traits is his loyalty and care for others. Friends he made stayed friends forever. Lee was genuinely interested in people and was always able to see the good in people. When you were in his life, you were someone he cared for. His friends describe him as a mentor and one of a kind.

Lee is preceded in death by his mother Etoyle Gutheinz, father Harley Price, stepfather Joe, and Brother Tom. He is survived by his wife Caryl Ann, Son Ray Gutheinz (Karen Ramos), honorary daughter Emily Gaffney (Thomas), his brothers Jerry and David, and his six grandchildren: Brian, Brandon, Mia, MJ, Connor, and Anna, and that damn dog Mocha!

A celebration of life will be held on September 19, 2026 at the Gutheinz home.