There’s something deeply comforting about people who simply show up — no fanfare, no expectations, just a steady presence when you need them most. In Salina, Kansas, that quiet hero has a name: “Taxi John.”
John Lewis, affectionately known by the locals as “Taxi John,” has been a reliable, familiar figure in the community for more than 20 years, ensuring people get home safely after a night out. And at 70 years old, he's still behind the wheel of his trusty Crown Victoria — or at least he was, until his transmission gave out. For many, that car wasn’t just a vehicle — it was a lifeline.
As the septuagenarian shared with 12 News, his kindness benefits him, as well as the locals in need:
“Every time I pick up someone and can share my old jokes, I’m just so happy to see their faces. They keep me younger.”
Lewis has notched up an impressive 300,000 miles, offering safe rides to countless people, especially those who’ve had a drink too many and need a way home. He never asked for recognition. He just kept showing up — night after night, year after year.
One of those he helped was Melinda Bishop, who met John decades ago when she was just starting out as a bartender. As she explained:
“I used to be a bartender when I was 20–21 years old, and because I didn’t want to drink and drive, I made a friend named John who would drive me home safely. It kind of morphed into other people calling him, other people using him, and the next thing you know, it’s been 20 years and here we are.”
And now -- as is so often the case with these sorts of good deeds -- the community has decided to return the favor.
Returning the favor
When Lewis feared he might have to hang up his keys for good, Bishop launched a GoFundMe to help him replace his car. In just five days, it raised over $3,500 — and the donations are still coming in. The goal was to buy John a new vehicle so he can keep doing what he does best: taking care of others, one ride at a time.
Bishop put it best: “Taxi John is more than just a driver; he is a friend and a vital part of the community who has likely saved many lives. My own father’s funeral he came to. He’s just a huge part of our community, and I’d hate to see him out of order.”
There’s something deeply human — and quietly heroic — about that kind of consistency. John didn’t need a badge or a title to be of service. He just did what he could, with what he had, for as long as he could. And now, the very people he once helped are stepping up to make sure he’s not left behind.
“That’s amazing,” Lewis said. “It just makes me feel good.”
We often think changing the world requires grand gestures. But sometimes, it really is those small, but meaningful, acts of kindness that can make all the difference to those on the receiving end.
