StorErotica Magazine Founder Don Waitt Passes Away

StorErotica Magazine Founder Don Waitt Passes Away

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Don Waitt Jr., founder of ED Publications, which launched StorErotica Magazine, passed away peacefully at home 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.

Waitt grew up in an Air Force family and lived all over the U.S., as well as in Japan and Panama, before settling in Bossier City, Louisiana, where he worked as a reporter for the Shreveport Times. He continued his journalism career as a crime reporter in Louisiana and California, where he profiled biker gangs and bank robbers and won awards from the Associated Press and the Gannett News Service.

Shortly after his son was born, Waitt moved to Dallas and became publisher of Performance, a magazine for the touring concert industry. While there, he started the Exotic Dancer Directory.

The Directory evolved into ED Publications and the Gentleman’s Club Expo, and Waitt went on to help establish ACE, the Association of Club Executives, serving as acting president. Waitt then created StorErotica Magazine, the sister magazine to Exotic Dancer, focusing on the adult retail industry.

“He not only founded a trade association for an entire industry, but was a beloved and respected figure within it,” the ED statement said. “Don moved his family to Florida and raised his children there, loving the water, the trees and the sun. Always searching for adventure and a new story to tell, he traveled the world and made friends everywhere he went. Beyond his many accomplishments, his greatest role and joy was as a husband, father and grandfather. The best there ever was.”

Waitt also wrote the books “Leaving Early,” “The Revelation of Chester Fortunberry” and “Sucks to Be You.”

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his son, Tyler; his daughter, Devyn; daughter-in-law Olivia Megalis and 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.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 6 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, located at 2853 Sunset Point Rd. in Clearwater, followed by a gathering at the Waitt home.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Williams Trading, ANME Founders Partner for Livestream Event

Williams Trading has partnered with CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys to host a virtual trade show July 14-15 during ANME.

Eldorado Names Sandy Nuyt Sales Director

Eldorado Trading has appointed Sandy Nuyt as its new sales director.

Show More