Abraham Kalil Busada | February 19, 1922 – March 15, 2021
It is with great sadness that Diesel Driving Academy shares the passing of our school’s founder Abraham “Abe” Kalil Busada. Abe passed away on March 15, 2021, just a month after celebrating his 99th birthday. Born in 1922 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Abe was the son of Lebanese immigrants. During World War II, Abe proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Army Corp of Engineers. It was during this time that Abe met his wife, Louise Monsour, a daughter of Lebanese immigrants and a native of Shreveport, Lousiana.
Achieving the American Dream was more than an idea to Abe, it was the way he lived his life. Abe’s long business career was marked by his relentless optimism, extraordinary vision, and unyielding drive. In the early 1950’s, he founded Busada Sales Company which introduced plastic pipe to this region of the country. Busada Sales Company pioneered the usage and sale of this revolutionary product that is still widely used today. Recognizing the need for a robust workforce in the growing transportation sector, Abe was one of the founders of Diesel Driving Academy in 1972. After 49 years. we continue to stand as one of the oldest and largest commercial vehicle training schools in the country with campuses in Louisiana and Arkansas. Because of Abe’s vision, we have helped tens of thousands of Americans earn their Commercial Driver’s Licenses and enter the trucking industry.
Abe was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Louise. He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. His legacy will continue on through all of them and the many businesses and employees he has mentored over the years. We thank Abe Busada for his dedication and commitment to not only the city of Shreveport but the entire state of Louisiana. The ideals he espoused during his life will continue to be at the core of Diesel Driving Academy and how we strive to help others created a better life for themselves. May you rest in peace, Abe.
