Donald Keith Land

Donald Keith Land, a 47-year resident of Poway, California, died peacefully in La Jolla, California on May 30, 2023 of natural causes. He was born November 2, 1937 in Leasburg, Missouri on "The Old Evans Farm" to Ronald Martin Land and Helen Ruth Coulson Land. Along with his eight siblings, Don grew up in Leasburg, graduated from neighboring Bourbon High School in 1955, and eventually joined the Navy in early 1957. He made the U.S. Navy his career, serving his country honorably for 24 years. Retiring from the Navy as a Senior Chief, he eventually joined the Sony Corporation in Rancho Bernardo as a member of their industrial facility maintenance team, retiring for good after ten years there.  

Don loved traveling, enjoying the wonders of nature, and bird-watching. He was very handy and enjoyed working on cars, building furniture, gardening and teaching his two sons all that he could. He enjoyed family gatherings, and especially loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He was a gentle soul with a quick wit that immediately set you at ease.

Don was predeceased by his mother and father; his brothers, Haley, Pete and Bill; and his sisters Lillian and Dorothy, his twin. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 62 years, Aiko, and their two sons, Thomas Land (Leesburg, VA, wife Karen) and Daniel Land (Escondido, CA); grandchildren William Land (Virginia Beach, VA, wife Alexa), Melissa Pontarelli (Highland, UT, husband Jordan), Danielle Land (Arlington, VA), Aidan Land (San Diego, CA) and Akemi Land (Escondido, CA); great-grandchildren, Tristan, Jackson, Marijka, and Beckham; and sisters Lois Land (St. Charles, MO), Joyce Bishop (Howell, MI) and Shirley Dillon (Bourbon, MO). He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.