Obituaries : Charles E. Day; Started School Bus Fleet

Charles E. Day, the first transportation superintendent for the Ventura Unified School District, died Thursday at his home in Ventura. He was 91.

Day, a 68-year resident of Ventura County, was born Aug. 15, 1905, in Bruce, Wis.

On July 1, 1929, Day was hired by then district Supt. Melrowe Martin as superintendent of transportation, bus driver and mechanic, at a salary of $125 per month. He supervised two part-time drivers, and oversaw the purchase of three 49-passenger buses.

The district began busing students on its own in September 1929, after previously contracting for the service. Buses at the time were painted in the school colors--orange and black. Day and others decided yellow would be better for visibility, and over the years the school buses were painted yellow.

When Day retired on Aug. 31, 1970, after 41 years of service, he was honored for being the district’s longest term-of-service employee. At the time of Day’s retirement, the district had 55 buses in its fleet.

Day is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hester; daughter Donna Day of Ventura; son Charles E. “Buzz” Day of Fresno; four grandsons; one granddaughter; and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Days’ home.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.