Lawrence County Commissioner Paul Herrell will be remembered as a man who did his part to help his fellow citizens rather than just being another politician.

Although the man was in his second term as a commissioner and he was a part of many projects during that time, he will most be remembered for the qualities that made him a good man.

Where many elected officials choose to don a suit and tie, Herrell was most often clad in his trademark western-style plaid, button-down shirts, jeans and work boots, a byproduct of being a farmer at heart. And the way he dressed was very much reflected in the way he approached life and serving as an elected leader.

Herrell took a hands-on, blue-collar approach and was held in high regard for his honest and direct answers, even when those may not be the ones that someone wanted to hear.

He worked hard to ensure that rural Lawrence Countians had many of the same opportunities as those who live along the Ohio River including services like emergency medical access, adequate sewer systems and clean drinking water. He also was a staunch supporter of the Lawrence County Fair and 4-H programs because of the qualities these help instill in our youth.

Herrell was well-liked among Democrats and Republicans alike, yet another testament to his ability to serve all of Lawrence County rather than an individual demographic.

Paul Herrell will be missed because he was a public servant and advocate for those in need.