Express & Star

Tributes paid to Express & Star man Don

A former Express & Star transport manager, who played a key role in getting 'the show on the road' at the launch of sister paper the Shropshire Star in 1964 has died at the age of 88.

Published

Don Green was the first transport manager of the Shropshire Star, running the fleet of newspaper vans and cars. In the early 1970s he became group transport manager based at the Express & Star in Wolverhampton, travelling there each day from his home in Shrewsbury.

He retired in August 1987 and later moved to the Isle of Wight.

Tthe Rev Dr Jim Izzard, who conducted the service of thanksgiving for Mr Green's life, said: "I was told he was a very great supporter of Telford United and I contacted the club and they sent an email expressing their condolences and the best wishes of the club, which I thought was rather nice."

Mr Green is survived by wife Brenda, who hails from Wellington, daughter Jenny, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Donald Ernest Green was born in Llanbister, Mid Wales, on August 12, 1927. His father was a railway signalman and initially he lived at a railway crossing. When he was very young his father transferred to Donnington and the family moved to Shropshire.

"Having completed his National Service he completed an apprenticeship in vehicle mechanics and was employed by a local haulier. Subsequently he was transport manager for a branch of the National Coal Board until he recognised the potential for a new position when the Express & Star formed a new daily newspaper in 1964 – the Shropshire Star," said Mr Izzard.

"He was one of the founder members, involved in the inauguration of that newspaper and held the position of transport manager supervising the operation of the fleet.

"He spent his retirement playing golf and he and his wife Brenda joined Shanklin Bowling Club."

Mr Green died on Christmas Day and a service of thanksgiving for his life was held at Isle of Wight crematorium on January 12.

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