PLEASANT HOPE, Mo. — When Carl Fisher first got behind the wheel of a school bus at 16 years old, he likely had no idea that he was embarking on a career that would last into his 80s.

Shortly after his 16th birthday on Dec. 12, 1946, Fisher took over his father's school bus driving duties so his father could focus on farming. Fisher stuck with the bus job for the long haul: He went on to log some 2 million miles, transporting three generations of some families.

Over the years, Fisher owned about a dozen different school buses.

In 2011, Guinness World Records determined him to have the "longest career as a bus driver."

Fisher retired last year at age 81 after nearly 66 years as a school bus driver.

Now, Fisher has earned another honor: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education named him a "Pioneer in Education" for his commitment and contributions to public education in the state.

Fisher and four other "pioneers" were recognized on Monday during the Cooperative Conference for School Administrators in Columbia, Mo.

"The 2013 Pioneers in Education have made a lasting impact on education in Missouri," Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro said. "These great leaders have given their time, talents and treasure to better serve the children, and future, of our state."