Long-time Lone Tree bus driver says goodbye after 50 years

Sitting in the driver's seat with his trucker hat tipped and sun glasses on, Wilbur Huff gazed across Lone Tree School's playground waiting for his young passengers to board - one last time.

As he waits, the 73-year-old looks down at a gold ring on his finger, its shape identical to the large, yellow bus he's been driving the past 50 years.

“Oh I had this made about 10 to 15 years ago,” Huff said. “I don't wear it too often, but I put it on this morning.”

Huff wore it Tuesday afternoon, the day he retired from the route he's been driving since 1960.

He didn't originally intend on staying so long, the Lone Tree native said,  but his plans changed.

“When 30 years came around I thought, why quit?” he said. “They would be short on drivers.”

Over the years, Huff estimated he drove more than 600,000 miles and hauled three generations of families on his course.

Caleb Viers, 9, of Lone Tree said Huff took not only him and his brother to school daily, but also his mother and grandmother.

Shelby Eden, 10, and Elizabeth Dodson, 11, both of Lone Tree said Huff drove their dads to school as children.

“I've been riding this bus since kindergarten,” Eden said. “Yes, we are going to miss him.”

Described as somebody everybody knows by Superintendent Michael A. Reeves, Huff is clearly well recognized among the community.

Huff  said he mows grass, delivers meals to the elderly and serves on the volunteer fire department-all for Lone Tree.  He is also a Lone Tree sports fanatic, claiming that he never misses a home game.

This summer, Huff said he may be receiving an award from the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, a longevity award, because of his many years of service. IPTA gives out awards for 35 years of service but this award would be the first for reaching 50 years, he added.

Huff plans to spend his retired days mostly loafing, but also reaming active in his life-long community.

“No matter what you do in life, you miss it when it ends,” he said. “You live long enough to do something then  you'll know what I'm talking 'bout.”