Marvin L. Lefty Gardner

I was able to get lefty to give me the ride of my life in his P 51. It was a cool, clear day in October 1981. He really showed me what a mustang could do. Lefty was amazed I did not get air sick. After the flight I sat in almost all the other war birds, then his whole family, my wife and I went across the border for lunch. Lefty had a Caddy that would transport all seven of us. He was a perfect example of a Texan. We flew over his house near Mercades no more than 100 feet above the roof,...

I met Lefty gardener when I was 19 years old and I was a flagger for his brother Henry Gardner in Victoria Texas. Lefty was the finest man I have ever met, he was salt of the earth.

My father, Sidney J Artt Jr, flew with Lefty as his bombardier in three Collapsible Susie. Dad always spoke highly of Lefty. Dad passed a month before Lefty, on 11/5/2008. I'm sure they hoisted one to old times.

I was a divorced mother of four who could not afford to learn to fly, but put every penny together and finally got her license in 1983. Most proud and happy thing I have ever done. Went to the Air Races and saw Lefty fly "White Lightning" It touched me so much I had tears in my eyes. It was beautiful and I felt this must be what I was meant to do. Unfortunately with raising four on my own, it never happened. one year at the races, in the pit, I met Lefty and he let my daughter take a picture...

God Bless this awesome husband, father, friend and so much more. Lefty, 'Duggy the DC3' flies today with a lot of your passion present. It was, and always will be, our honor to have met and shared our famlies friendships, Love forever - the Carleys.

I had no idea. I'm so sorry that i wasnt there in the most recent past but so proud that i was a very small part of your family for at least a short time. You and your family were always kinda and gracious to me and i'll always appreciate and remember you for that.

I can see you flying now more than ever.

your brief nephew,

My sympathies to Lefty's family. I have such good memories of the good times we had together. There are too many good stories to tell in this short space. He was the crop duster who took care of our farm and it sheer poetry to watch him perform his tasks. My husband Harold went to the valley with him to get a plane and rode back in the storage area behind Lefty. I thought it was a P-51 but I am hearing sories about a P-38 so am not sure about the plane. Joyce sends her sympathy also.

Lefty Gardner was my hero as a true patriot and a good man. I will always treasure the time spent visiting with him and the countless hours watching him grace the sky in White Lightning and other aircraft. We will miss him. Blue skies Lefty.

My condolences to Lefty's family...he remains legendary, and that in itself is comforting.....he will be missed by those of us left behind...clear skies and full tanks, Sir... Major Bob Loomis, USA-RET, Phoenix