Marvin Gardner

Kerrville - On December 24, 2008, Lefty Gardner departed this earth, showing us how to soar with the eagles, but this final time, on the wings of an angel.nbsp He passes away peacefully at the age of 87.

Lefty started his aviation career at the age of 21, when he joined the Army Air Corp.nbsp He flew 34 missions in the European Theater during WW II in B24 and B17, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters. After his tour, Lefty joined an elite group of pilots flying to Sweden at night carrying supplies for the underground and POWS.

After 12 missions, he came home and finished his education at Texas A&M, receiving a BS degree in Agriculture. Lefty and his brother started an Ag flying business in Crystal City, TX. He then went on his own and with a dear friend, developed a process used to control mesquite and other noxious brush on the West Texas ranches, allowing better grazing conditions for cattle. He retired from this after 35 years.

Lefty was reared in the Beeville, TX area. During his lifetime, he lived and worked his businesses in Crystal City, Brownwood, Mercedes and Lakeway. He and his wife retired in Kerrville, TX. He, along with others, founded the Confederate Air Force, now known and the Commemorative Air Force, and was a member of the general staff for many years. As the first procurement officer for the CAF, he held both AP and AI licenses, enabling him to travel the world to repair and ferry vintage WW II aircraft home. He became the Chief Check Pilot for the CAF and was rated in all the aircraft the CAF acquired. He was widely known for his flying abilities, especially in his P38 White Lightnin which he flew in many Reno Air Races and hundreds of air shows across the United States. He won first place in the Gold Race at Reno in 1976, flying his P51 Mustang Thunderbird.nbsp He raced in Reno for over 25 years. As an air show favorite, Lefty wowed the crowds as he performed his uniquely daring and graceful aerobatics in his legendary P38 White Lightnin.

Lefty was a devout Christian and a member of the Hunt Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Sharon two sons, Ladd and Daron three daughters, Gail Graham Terry, Donna Miles Mike and Janie McNeil Walter five grandsons two granddaughters and one great granddaughter, as well as a sister, Dottie Potter, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, one daughter, Kim, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Lefty had many passions in life his faith in God, his family and flying. He was the happiest when surrounded by his family and friends.There was never a dull moment with him as he created fun and laughter with his mischief and practical jokes.

Lefty patriotism was obvious in all that he did. He was a loving husband, father and friend. We will miss him forever.

The family would like to thank his loving caregivers, Brenda, Ami and VistaCare Hospice.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Kerrville Funeral Home from 68PM. Funeral Services will be on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 2PM at Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Jackson Rd, Kerrville. At the conclusion of the service, there will be a Missing Man Formation Flyover as a tribute to Lefty. A graveside service will be held in the family lot in Glenwood Cemetery, Beeville, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 1PM.nbspIn lieu of floral arrangements, monetary donations in his name may be made to the Alzheimer Association or the Veterans Administration of Kerrville.