Legendary bus driver joins Hall of Fame

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series about the 2023 inductees into the Creston High School Hall of Fame.

Those involved in the nomination of Darwin West for induction into the Creston Community High School Hall of Fame unanimously tabbed the “ol yardbird” as the definitive choice for the category of Distinguished Contributor.

Their only regret? West’s death on Feb. 17 at age 79 meant he missed by seven months the opportunity to be on stage at the school one more time.

West will be inducted 11 a.m. Friday into the hall of fame as a contributor to the school. Amy Higgins will be inducted as a graduate. There will be no former staff members inducted as part of this year’s ceremony.

“I can think of no one who embodies a love for our school, community, staff and students than Darwin did during his three decades of service to our school district,” said Galen Zumbach, longtime Creston High School and Southwestern Community College ag teacher and member of the district’s board of directors.

“My only regret is, I did not nominate Darwin while he was alive!” Zumbach added.

Scott Driskell, the high school’s assistant principal and activities director, has been a school administrator in his hometown for 13 years. As a 1990 graduate, he just missed the beginning of West’s tenure as a 31-year school bus driver (27 years full-time) for district. But, like so many who encountered West in his many roles for the school or his auctioneering business, Driskell is familiar with the impact West had on multiple generations.

In addition to driving a bus on a daily route and many activities per month for nearly three decades, West also was master of ceremonies for the arrival of CHS prom attendees on the red carpet for many years, in which he was known to dress in a tuxedo and top hat while serving as announcer.

West also leaned on his auctioneering background to provide services for many school fund-raising events. When Darwin West had a microphone in his hands, his teasing and persuasive commentary would routinely raise more generosity than the stated goal.

“He’s unique, but probably the most well-deserved choice for our hall of fame,” Driskell said. “In our hall of fame we have a tremendous number of outstanding graduates who have done incredible things, and instructors who have impacted lives beyond Creston. But, Darwin is that guy who kind of did both, while being a bus driver and all of the other things he did.”

Retired in 2018

West retired as a bus driver in the summer of 2018 at age 75. Although he sold his auctioneering business, he continued to work occasionally at local auctions. Among his many community honors received over the years, the latest was the 2023 Friends of Creston City Parks Award presented a few days before his death.

“Just the week before he passed away, he got the Park and Recreation award and he got up there and told some joke and everyone was laughing,” said son Rod West of Bondurant. “Meanwhile, mom’s over there covering her eyes, wondering what he’s going to say next!”

Daughter Rachel Tucker, a 1989 Creston graduate, said she never had the opportunity to ride on a bus driven by her father, but their children enjoyed the experience.

Rod, a 1994 Creston alumnus, was a four-sport athlete in the district and often rode a bus driven by his father, who began driving in 1986 on a part-time basis for four years. Darwin grew up in the trucking business in the Red Oak area and from a young age had experience behind the wheel of big rigs.

“When you’re a young kid your first thought is, my dad is driving a school bus?” Rod West said. “But, everyone knew he was a good driver. And everybody knew him so well, we all just enjoyed having him around. He was entertaining, no doubt.”

During Friday’s 11 a.m. induction ceremony and homecoming queen crowning, Rod will be the one with a microphone in his hand, representing the family in receiving the honor on Darwin’s behalf.

“I’m going up and thank everybody and talk a little bit about dad,” Rod said. “They told us our family will ride in a school bus in the parade afterward. They thought that was fitting. That’s where dad enjoyed spending a lot of time.”

Based on experience, June knows the presentation will be relatively concise.

“The letter we got from the principal asked if we could have someone come up and speak, but to please keep it to five minutes or less,” June West said. “Darwin would not have been able to keep his speech to five minutes!”

Earned respect

Bill Messerole, Creston Community High School principal, said he was always impressed with how West generated confidence in himself as a driver capable of handling any foul weather situation, while also gaining the riders’ respect through genuine interest in their lives. West was well-known for watching the games and cheering on the teams that he transported, as well as support for the fine arts students on their journeys to competitions.

“Darwin just had this legendary aura about him,” Messerole said. “Nobody ever wanted to do something on the bus that would distract him or upset him. You didn’t leave trash on Darwin’s bus, because you never wanted to disappoint him.”

Rachel West said her father would have enjoyed Friday’s induction activities.

“Oh yes, he would have had a heyday!” Rachel said. “I think it’s a wonderful honor for him.”