Donald Robert Pond was born November 8, 1925 in Upland, CA. He attended schools in Southern CA graduating from University High School in West Los Angeles in 1943.
Don joined the Navy in 1943 and served aboard the USS Bangust in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946. In 1951, he was called to return to active duty in San Diego and was again honorably discharged in 1952. He chose carpentry as his life's work, first building custom homes then larger buildings. He was on the ground floor of the Motel 6 operations and advanced to the Vice President in charge of site acquisition, architectural and construction of the motels nationwide. After retiring from construction, he owned and operated two businesses with his wife Noreen in Buellton and later in Lompoc where they resided.

Don is survived by his four daughters, Robyn Dunne, Wendy Pond, Dona Sanders and Glenda Jones as well as his wife Noreen. He was a loving father and husband. Don passed peacefully on February 27, 2015 at his home.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the mortuary. Friends and family of Don are welcome at their home in Mesa Oaks following the services.