TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Built in Texarkana and trusted nationwide, Ledwell products, including dump bodies, water trucks, vacuum units, and feed trailers, are engineered for durability and performance.
next level of service and manufacturing. Buddy was known for saying, “Not every man can be a Ledwell man.” This was Buddy’s way of modeling dedication and a strong work ethic for the Ledwell employees. It sent a loud and clear message that if you intended to work at Ledwell, you would be willing to spend long hours on the job, be present every day, and work relentlessly while you were there. Along with the workload, came the gift of being considered a part of the Ledwell family. William Griffin, a longtime Ledwell employee, said, “I’d do whatever Mr. Buddy asked me to do, or I’d die trying.” Boots Thomas echoes this by saying, “He demanded loyalty. It was clear he was the boss. He trained us. He never cursed and was never mean to us. He talked to us like a father would. If he got upset over something you did, you could take the butt chewing because you knew he cared about you. He allowed us to do well, make mistakes, and try again. He wanted us to be proud of the company and proud of our work.” Although he is retired, Thomas still feels honored when he sees a Ledwell truck driving down the street. In addition to the countless Ledwell men, women have been an integral part of the family’s legacy. The matriarch of the family, Betty Ledwell, was nothing short of feisty. A loyal wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty cooked lunch for Buddy every day throughout most of their marriage, and she enjoyed spending time with family. Once during a rare family vacation to Yellowstone, Buddy checked
in with the office, and he was informed that the IRS was there to cease Ledwell’s operations. Betty despised paying taxes and had, unbeknownst to Buddy, signed the tax return with the words “I hate you” in lieu of her signature. The vacation came to a screeching halt, and the family embarked on a 1,500-mile trek home, stopping only for gas. According to Steve, his parents didn’t speak the entire way home, and Betty never viewed or signed legal documents again. Despite this minor tiff, the couple enjoyed many happy times together over the years and cherished attending ballgames for the
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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