Editorâs Note: As a part of the 80th Anniversary celebration of the Annie Gardner Foundation in Mayfield and Graves County, the foundation will be sharing installments each month that tell the story of the Gardner Legacy in our community. This is the fourth installment of that story.
Ever giving during his lifetime, Ed Gardner shared his wealth and his time with friends, strangers, and good causes, but vehemently shunned all publicity about his generosity. Though he never ran for public office, he was quietly political and had friends in state government in Frankfort. Upon Gardnerâs passing, Congressman Gregory hailed him as a loyal friend and declared that numerous people had been beneficiaries of his help without ever knowing the benefactor. Additionally, respected Mayfield business leader, W.F. Foster, spoke of Gardnerâs high regard in the countryâs financial circles.