Steele Praises "A True Hometown Hero"

His name is Ray Lindsey.

What did he do? He gave his kidney to Bob Evans. Now, you might think that the two are related or maybe childhood buddies, or perhaps fishing, bowling or hunting buddies. The answer would be no. Bob's kidney failure got so bad he was down to 3% function. Bob's wife was handing out flyers in Oolitic looking for anybody who would be willing to donate a kidney to save her husband's life. She asked Ray, who she had met in Republican politics, if he would hand out some of the flyers. Well he did, but he went home and started thinking - how could he ask others to donate a kidney if he were not willing to step up to the plate?

Now, for a little more to the story, there is another old saying to acknowledge, "People might not remember what you said or what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel." Well, one time when Ray was down and out, Bob helped him out and treated him like a human being. Bob didn't remember it. Ray never forgot it.

Long story short, Ray did step up to the plate. One of Ray's kidneys now belongs to Bob. Bob just left my law office and he is doing well. Our local paper has a contest where people send in names for a local hero. For sure Ray has to be a top contender for this honor! Many of you out in Monroe, Jackson, Brown and Bartholomew Counties will probably never meet these two Lawrence County men but they are good men.