GREEN BAY, Wis. — Lyle Lamers, founder of Lamers Bus Lines Inc., passed away on Dec. 30 at the age of 97.

Lamers started the school and charter bus company in 1944 with his wife, Ellen, who passed away in 1972. Grant School District became the first school district for which Lamers operated until 1948, when West De Pere High was added. Shortly thereafter, the two districts combined to become West De Pere School District.

In 1950, Lamers was asked to provide transportation for the Ashwaubenon School District, and in 1959, the company was contracted by Green Bay Area School District as well.

In 1980, Lamers Bus Lines was also granted permission from the Interstate Commerce Commission to transport charters in the U.S.

The company ranked No. 9 in SCHOOL BUS FLEET’s 2012 Top 50 Contractors list, with a fleet of 1,185 school buses transporting 65,000 students under 32 district contracts.  

The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that Lamers drove buses for the company until age 72.

According to his obituary in the Green Bay Press Gazette, he was also a member of the Wisconsin School Bus Association for many years, and he served with the Lawrence Fire Department for 33 years.

In recent years, Lamers’ sons, Allen and Kevin, along with their children, took over the day to day responsibilities of running the company to allow Lamers to enjoy his hobbies and participate in community service programs.

“It's a sad day at Lamers Bus Lines as we mourn the passing of our founder, Lyle Lamers,” the company said in a statement on its Facebook page. “He built an epic legacy. His passion was to provide the safest transportation services while providing the best customer service. He truly taught us all how to do just that, and to settle for nothing less. Rest in peace, Lyle, and thank you!”

Lamers is survived by his second wife, Helen, his children and many grandchildren, according to his obituary.