This Zum driver has 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren — and generations of families who appreciate him

Several years ago, 69-year-old Samuel Conley retired from his job driving a school bus in St. Louis, Mo. But when he heard the city needed more drivers, he decided to go back to work — especially since several of his own family members relied on school buses each day. 

“I came out of retirement because I was looking at the news, and they were talking about how they were short on drivers,” he says. “Some parents have cars and some parents don’t. My main reason for coming back was for the kids.”

Whether he’s working or not, Conley spends most of his time transporting kids: His large family includes 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. On the weekends, he’s often the one who takes the younger kids somewhere, whether it’s on a fishing trip or to Chuck E. Cheese.

“They’ll find something for me to do,” Conley says, laughing.

Conley began driving a school bus in St. Louis in 1983. He says technology has come a long way since then, particularly now that he’s working at Zūm, which equips all drivers with tablets instead of the old-fashioned paper system.

This year Conley’s bus routes include pre-K, elementary and high school students. He enjoys talking with kids of all ages; sometimes he’ll give the younger ones a toy to play with if they’re having trouble sitting still on the bus.

‘When I’m transferring these kids, they’re my first priority. Their safety is in my hands,” he says. “I respect my kids, and they respect me.”

“Mr. Conley brings a vibrant personality that makes him a pleasure to work with each day,” says Jean Gordils, Zum’s Location Manager in St. Louis. “His experience and strong commitment to child safety are invaluable, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the Zum team.”

And Conley isn’t the only driver in the family: Several of his nieces and grand-nieces work for Zum as bus drivers and monitors. (“I used to drive them when they were little!” he says.)

Over the years, Conley has received gifts and praise from St. Louis families who appreciate how he cares for their children and prioritizes their safety and well-being.

As for a second retirement, he says he’s not planning on it anytime soon.

“I’ve been around kids all my life,” Conley says. “And I plan on driving as long as I’m able.”