Lewis A. Lindner MD

Lewis A. Lindner, MD, affectionately known as Lew, was born on February 26, 1935 in Toledo, Ohio. From there, he embarked on a lifelong journey that would touch countless lives with compassion and understanding. He returned to his heavenly home on November 29, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio at the family home.

Lew's formative years were spent in Toledo, Ohio where he graduated from Devilbiss High School and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Toledo. His thirst for knowledge and desire to serve others led him to The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he honed his skills and dedicated his life to the field of psychiatry. For more than five decades, Lew worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. He began his career at The Ohio State University, conducting research and teaching as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. In the later years of his career there, he taught psychiatric residents in the area of Practice with Deaf individuals.

Lew's journey took him to various state institutions, including Lima State Hospital, where he served as the medical director, and Central Ohio Psychiatric Hospital, where he also served as the medical director and his passion for serving the underserved blossomed. He learned American Sign Language at Columbus State Community College, which was a skill that allowed him to communicate with and better serve the Deaf community in Columbus and Dayton. His advocacy didn't stop there; he followed his patients into the correctional system, working at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, Ohio, and participating in Deaf Ministry within the prisons. Throughout his career, he was a passionate reformer, tirelessly working from within to enact change, which he often likened to "banging your head against a brick wall," and he observed, "No good deed goes unpunished." His efforts in Deaf Ministry and research on Deafness in the correctional system spoke to his deep-seated belief in the inherent worth of every individual. His contributions extended beyond institutional walls; his expertise as a forensic psychiatrist made him a sought-after expert witness in the courts.

Lew grew up in the church and took its teachings to heart. He grew up in the Lutheran tradition and spent many years as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He did pro bono work for the Tribunal of the Diocese during this time and eventually converted to the Catholic faith. He spent many years as a member of St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on the west side of Columbus. Outside of his professional life, Lew was a man of diverse interests and talents. Throughout his life, he found joy in photography, scuba diving, and bicycling. As a voracious reader and music lover, he cherished the moments of beauty and learning that these passions provided. After retirement he became a camping enthusiast. He traveled across the country in his vintage1972 Airstream with his wife, Bobbi, and their dogs on board, visiting relatives in Washington, Texas, and Florida many times. His favorite place to camp was Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he enjoyed looking out over Lake Superior while escaping from the worst heat of summer. He was a lifelong lover of animals, and throughout his life, he became a cherished friend to many cats, dogs, and neighborhood squirrels.

Lew is preceded in death by his father, Arthur (Lydia) Lindner, his mother, Lydia (Arthur) Lindner, his sister, Linda Lindner, his sister-in-law, Liz (Luther) Lindner, and brother-in-law, Buzz (Rhonda) Ball. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta "Bobbi" (Lewis) Lindner, his children, Rev. Scott Lindner (Susan), Robert Lindner, and Paul Lindner, and his grandchildren George Lindner and Brian Lindner. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Luther (Liz) Lindner, his brother-in-law, Pete (Pam) Wilson, his sister-in-law, Pam (Pete) Wilson, his sister-in-law, Rhonda (Buzz) Ball, his cousin Sylvia Walters, and many other relatives.

As we reflect on Lew's life, it is clear that it was one of service, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. He was an intelligent man who used his analytical mind not as a means to criticize but to reform and improve the world around him. His legacy is one of a man who saw challenges as opportunities to make a difference and who lived his life as a testament to the power of faith in action and dedication. His faith was central in his existence, guiding him in his mission to serve others. Lew's journey on earth may have concluded, but he touched and made in a difference to many in his journey among us.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 North High Street.