Don Waitt Jr., founder of ED Publications and StorErotica Magazine, passed away peacefully at his home in Florida on March 28 at the age of 67. ED Publications shared news of Waitt’s passing on its websites, along with an obituary reflecting on his contributions to the industry.

Early Life and Journalism Career

Donald Francis Waitt Jr. was born on June 30, 1956, in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up in an Air Force family with his siblings Deborah, Deirdre, Damon, and Desireé. His family lived in various locations across the United States, as well as in Japan and Panama.

Waitt eventually settled in Bossier City, Louisiana, where he began his journalism career as a reporter for the Shreveport Times. He continued his work as a crime reporter in both Louisiana and California. During this time, he profiled biker gangs and bank robbers, earning awards from the Associated Press and the Gannett News Service.

Contributions to the Adult Industry

Shortly after the birth of his son, Waitt moved to Dallas. There, he became the publisher of Performance, a magazine focused on the touring concert industry. While working at Performance, he founded the Exotic Dancer Directory.

The Exotic Dancer Directory later evolved into ED Publications and the Gentleman’s Club Expo. Waitt also played a role in establishing ACE, the Association of Club Executives, serving as its acting president. He then created StorErotica Magazine, which served as a sister publication to Exotic Dancer and focused on the adult retail industry.

In 2023, Waitt was inducted into the ED Hall of Fame. This honor coincided with the 30th Anniversary of the Gentleman’s Club EXPO and the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Adult Nightclub & Exotic Dancer Awards Show, both produced by ED Publications.

An ED statement noted that Waitt "not only founded a trade association for an entire industry, but was a beloved and respected figure within it."

Personal Life and Legacy

Waitt moved his family to Florida, where he raised his children. He was known for his love of the water, trees, and sun. He traveled the world, always seeking adventure and new stories, and made friends in many places. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his family stated that his greatest role and joy was as a husband, father, and grandfather.

Waitt also authored books, including “Leaving Early” and “The Revelation of Cheste.”

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his son, Tyler; his daughter, Devyn; his daughter-in-law, Olivia Megalis; and his grandchildren, Winter and Sebastian. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Francis Waitt Sr., his mother, Mary Lou (Sartori) Waitt, and his dog, Boudreaux.

Don Waitt Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

Key Facts

  • Donald Francis Waitt Jr. passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 67.
  • He was the founder of ED Publications and StorErotica Magazine.
  • Waitt also founded the Exotic Dancer Directory and the Gentleman’s Club Expo.
  • He served as acting president for ACE, the Association of Club Executives.
  • In 2023, Waitt was inducted into the ED Hall of Fame.
  • He was a former crime reporter who won awards from the Associated Press and Gannett News Service.