Levell Pace

Type of Donation:          tissue and corneas

Age and Location:          Age 34 – Mishawaka, IN

Donation Date:             11/30/2002

Sponsor:                   Honored by Donate Life Indiana and Indiana Donor Network

LEVELL’S STORY

Looking for the good in others came naturally to Levell Kevin Pace. “Armed with a ready smile, Levell,” recalls his wife, Melissa, “would give you the last five dollars out of his wallet if you needed it.” This spirit of giving carried over into everything he did, from serving his community as a police officer to signing up as an organ and tissue donor. Levell, who had diabetes and ailing kidneys, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 34 while waiting on a lifesaving kidney transplant. While he never received his transplant, he gave lifesaving gifts to others through tissue donation.

Born in St. Louis in June 1968, Levell’s family moved to Elkhart, Indiana, when he was young. He graduated from Elkhart’s Jimtown High School, where he played football and cultivated a lifelong love of the sport. After high school, Levell worked various jobs until he became a security guard at Indiana University South Bend and discovered his life’s calling – becoming a police officer. Around campus, Levell was known for always going above and beyond to answer the call.

One night, that call led him to his wife, Melissa, who says Levell came to her rescue in the middle of a snowstorm. They started dating and were married in October 2001. Levell shared with Melissa his love of movies, fishing and his dogs, Vegas and Miranda. Together, they enjoyed camping, hiking, and spending time with their niece and nephews. Melissa says Levell brought her out of her shell, while she inspired him to focus on his health.

Despite his journey to better health, Levell was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease in 2002. He was about to be placed on the national transplant waiting list when he suddenly lost his life. While it would be easy to focus on the tragedy, Melissa says Levell had made peace with God in his final days. His legacy lives on through those he helped as a tissue donor and through Melissa, a longtime volunteer advocate for Donate Life Indiana and Indiana Donor Network. Her service, she says, is the best gift she can give her husband.