With a career in student transportation spanning more than four decades, many mourn the loss and remember the life of George Edward (Ed) Donn.

Born June 19, 1939, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Forestville, Md., Donn’s early accomplishments are associated with his time in track, in which he received a scholarship. He went on to receive a B.S. in biology from the University of Maryland and a master’s in education from Frostburg State University.

He began his professional life as a coach and teacher, eventually moving into the transportation department. He served as director of transportation for Whitfield County (Ga.) Schools for 10 years, director for Washington County (Md.) Schools for 16 years, and assistant director of transportation at Prince George’s County, Md., for 13 years.

Donn was highly involved in and well-recognized for his contributions to the industry. He was an active participant in the Georgia Association of Pupil Transportation, where he served as president, and was a board member of the Suppliers Council of NASDPTS.

Perhaps most notably though, was Donn’s affiliation with the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT). Donn served two terms as president in both the ‘80s and ‘90s, received NAPT’s Distinguished Service Award, is credited with starting the NAPT Foundation and served on the board of directors, and is a member of the NAPT Hall of Fame, indicating the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, including distinguished service to both the industry and the association.

According to NAPT, “One of Donn's lifelong passions has been promoting educational opportunities for those who work in school transportation. [He] was one of the first directors of pupil transportation to be certified by the National Committee Motor Fleet Supervisor, Penn State University, and he helped to develop and implement the NAPT Professional Certification Program.”

He also served as a delegate and committee member for five National Conferences on School Transportation and was co-Chair of the School Bus Specifications Section at the 11th and 12th NCSTs in 1990 and 1995, respectively. 

He was even recognized by School Bus Fleet as Educator of the Year in 1989, and Pioneer News Magazine’s "Golden Wheel" in 1990.

It was in 1985 that he launched his own independent consulting business, Donn Associates Inc., providing consulting services in pupil transportation operations to school systems and attorneys. Then in 2005, he joined industry supplier 247Security Inc. and advised on business development.

“Ed Donn was one of four who founded 247 Security in 2005,” Robert Scott, senior vice president, strategy, at 247Security Inc., shared with School Bus Fleet. “Ed offered his vision of the school bus industry, after a long career in pupil transportation, and was a huge influence on the development of 247 Security into a leading brand. Ed was a dear friend over these past 20 plus years. He was like a big brother to me. His knowledge of the industry and his extensive connections across the country paved a path for the rest of us to follow, and the result was always good. The first inductee into the NAPT Hall of Fame, Ed was a friend to all he met, never missed a handshake or a hug, and he loved hugs! We would talk for hours about everything! Football, baseball, golf, politics with many debates about the hot topic of the day. I will miss those calls with my friend.” 

Outside of work, Donn attended Calhoun First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, treasurer and session member. He was married to his late wife, Sandra Lee (“Sandi”), for 60 years, and had two daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, raising beagles, and his Spanish Mustang horses.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Calhoun First Presbyterian Church, with the funeral services immediately following.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Calhoun First Presbyterian Church in Calhoun Ga., or the American Heart Association.

Visit the funeral home’s website for his full obituary and online guestbook.