Sheltered Muffler Man

Texarkana, Texas

The Muffler Man at Ledwell Machinery goes by several names. Locals originally called him "The Ledwell Man" or "The Ledwell Giant." His shirt is faux-embroidered "Big Bob." Owner L.W. "Buddy" Ledwell calls him "Big Luke." His official name is "Luke Lombard," but almost no one calls him that.

For years this Muffler Man stood on an outdoor platform above the parking lot, easily visible to passing traffic, his hard hat pulled low on his brow. In 2005 the platform was replaced and the Muffler Man was brought indoors. The crew at Ledwell have gradually restored and upgraded the big guy, to the point where he's now outfitted with custom rubber gloves and safety goggles, setting an example of proper gear for workers. Befitting his age, the Muffler Man has been given salt-and-pepper hair.

Buddy Ledwell asked us in 2011 not to publicize this Muffler Man, as he feared that people might steal him if they knew where he was. That policy was later relaxed, and in 2021 the Muffler Man was moved back outdoors, and now stands beneath a sheltered overhang added to the building.