Celebrating the life of Zum bus driver Frank Lemon

Frank Lemon, a beloved Zum bus driver who served his community in San Francisco for more than 50 years, died this month at the age of 72.

“Frank was an incredible school bus driver, going above and beyond for his students, both on and off the bus,” shared Zum Founder and CEO Ritu Narayan. “We are grateful for his service to this community for the past 50 years, and take great solace in the fact that his legacy will live on through the hundreds of kids’ lives that he changed over the years.”

Frank was a treasured father, musician and friend to all who knew him. His three children were familiar faces at the bus yard and on his bus. An accomplished drummer, Frank was also a fixture in the music community and played with several bands over the years.

“Frank was a gifted musician and a charming, charismatic guy,” said Susan Moorehead,” Zum’s Area Safety and Training Manager. “He was king of the standby drivers, a position he held for most of his 50-year career. He was proud of his culture and Louisiana roots. We will truly miss him.”

Stepping up as a mentor to students on his bus, Frank became active in the 100% College Prep Institute, an organization that helps San Francisco’s underserved communities begin and complete post-secondary education or vocational training. Each year Frank took a group of high school students on college preparatory tours; traveling last year to HBCUs in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Over the years, Frank helped over 300 San Francisco students get into college on paid scholarships.

Frank grew up in Louisiana and relocated to San Francisco when he was a teenager. Frank brought so much joy to the thousands of students he drove on his bus over the years, as well as to his friends and colleagues. We are grateful for the time he spent with us at Zum, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

A celebration of Frank’s life was hosted at Zum’s San Francisco Yard on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.