By: Brenda Wilkerson
Each and every year I give a respectful and heavenly ‘shout out’ to my Grandpa Felgar. Pictured here is his 1948-49 school bus driver’s permit that he carried in his own school bus in Hamilton, Illinois, 77 years ago. I am forever grateful for his dedication and occupation as a driver to support his family those many years past. My dad, who rode that bus, tells many entertaining stories I will share soon. I wish Grandpa could see that his shy & timid southern granddaughter would one day proudly follow in his footsteps… or maybe he does know. It sure makes this grateful granddaughter’s mission to change the world in the little lives that step on this ol’ bus each morning that much sweeter!
No matter what you do today, no matter how the world makes you feel about the job you hold, no matter how insignificant you may feel, keep your head high and change the world one encouraging kind word at a time. Make a difference today for the next generations to come. Carry on strong!
In Memory of My Grandpa
Lynn Edward Felgar was the first-generation bus driver in our family. He was a man of extraordinary dedication and discipline. He balanced the roles of a school bus driver, farmer, and night watchman at a box factory—all while being a husband and a father to nine children, one of them being my dad.
A stern and no-nonsense disciplinarian, Grandpa believed in hard work, respect, and doing things the right way. As a man of faith, he instilled values in his family with unwavering conviction and example the best he could. His day often began at the end of a long night, leaving his third-shift job as a watchman at the box factory to start his school bus route at dawn. He ensured local children—including his own—arrived safely to school. His stern demeanor commanded quiet and order on the bus. After driving the bus route, he returned to the farm, where he worked tirelessly, tending to the fields and livestock efficiently. Despite his grueling schedule, he remained steadfast, driven by an unshakable sense of duty to provide for his family and teach his children the importance of resilience, responsibility, and respect.
By: Brenda Wilkerson
