Born in Duncan, Oklahoma. Attended Dallas Institute of Fine Arts 1939-40; San Antonio Academy of Art 1940-41. Received B.S. from Texas A&M in 1954. Served as a tank commander in Army 1942 to 1946. He received the Silver Star March 22, 1945. Married Mary Alice Atchley August 22, 1947. They have two sons and two daughters.

Rancher and farmer in Texas 1946 to 1949; livestock inspector in Mexico 1949-50; with Soil Conservation Service 1955-57; with U.S. Department of Defense 1961-67. Free lance artist and author 1957-60. Director of publicity at Lubbock Christian College 1967 to 1975. Free lance artist after 1975. Resident of Fort Davis, Texas. He collected U.S. and Mexican silver coins, invasion money and Roman coppers. Served as president of Fort Davis Historical Society and of the Texas Cowboy Artists Association. Republican county chairman for 10 years.

Leftwich is the author of several books: The Coin Killers (1956); Tracks Along the Pecos (1957); Rodeo Pattern Book [Belts]; Bracero; Turn Him Out; Thats My Rulin; The Corps at Aggieland (1976).

He designed the reverse of the 1993 World War II commemorative half dollar.

bio: WWAmPol 91-92; correspondence, 1993; DOD: SSDI