Donald Pond
JACKSON TOWNSHIP - Donald K. Pond, Sr., age 75, of Jackson Township, Stark County, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Canton, following injury caused by a slip and fall. He died with loving family by his side.
Don was born October 27, 1948, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the son of the late James and Kathryn (Carlisle) Pond. Don enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Doylestown, Ohio. He attended Chippewa High School and graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in accountancy. After college, Don worked as an auditor for the State of Ohio and for several years as the Wayne County Administrator. Don then served for twenty-four years, until the time of his retirement, as the Director of the Stark County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Don felt proud and fortunate that he was able to work alongside dedicated colleagues at the agency for many years.
After retiring from Jobs and Family Services, Don charged into a second career, where he and his wife, Jill, became home builders, renovators, and rental property entrepreneurs. Don liked to joke that he only worked a halfday every day – just twelve hours, every day. Don was active and energetic to the end. He always looked forward to the challenge of their next project.
Don is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Jill Hipkins-Pond; his three sons, Donald (Kelly) Pond, Jr., David (Jennifer) Pond, Michael (fiance’ Cheyanne Keeton) Pond; his daughter, Abigail (Johnny) Ilijevski; his brother, Robert (Betty) Pond; and his three grandchildren, Kathryn Pond, Alex Pond, and Anna Pond.
Don was one of a kind. His friends and family, especially his four children, will miss his humor, energy, and selfless service.
A gathering for a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Church of the Lakes, 5944 Fulton Road NW, Canton (Jackson Township) 44718. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow the gathering and service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Network of Stark County, 213 Market Avenue N, Suite 200, Canton, Ohio 44702. Condolences to the family may be made at www.heitger.com.
Heitger Funeral Home and Crematory 330-830-0148.