LifeofReiley
Well Known Member
Marvin L. "Lefty" Gardner 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. He passes away peacefully at the age of 87. 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 A/P and A/I 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 required. He was widely known for his flying abilities, especially in his P-38 "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 P-51 Mustang "Thunderbird". 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 P-38 "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's 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 Vista-Care Hospice. Visitation will be Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Kerrville Funeral Home from 6-8PM. 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. In lieu of floral arrangements, monetary donations in her name may be made to the Alzheimer Association or the VA Administration of Kerrville. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhome.com by selecting Obituaries. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual memorial. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Kerrville Funeral Home
Lefty Gardner departed this earth, showing us how to soar with the eagles, but this final time, on the wings of an angel. He passes away peacefully at the age of 87. 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 A/P and A/I 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 required. He was widely known for his flying abilities, especially in his P-38 "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 P-51 Mustang "Thunderbird". 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 P-38 "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's 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 Vista-Care Hospice. Visitation will be Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Kerrville Funeral Home from 6-8PM. 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. In lieu of floral arrangements, monetary donations in her name may be made to the Alzheimer Association or the VA Administration of Kerrville. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhome.com by selecting Obituaries. Select "Sign Guestbook" at the bottom of the individual memorial. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Kerrville Funeral Home
