Donald Willey Stone

Donald Willey Stone

September 1, 1932 – January 5, 2026

Born in Aberdeen, Idaho, Donald Willey Stone was the son of Clifford Edgar Stone and Hilva Willey Stone. He was raised on the family potato farm, where the values of hard work, perseverance, and self-reliance took root early in his life.

Don graduated from Snake River High School in 1950, where he played football and demonstrated the discipline and determination that would guide him throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, a commitment that further shaped his strong sense of duty and resilience.

Following his military service, Don moved to California and attended the College of Technology in Compton using the G.I. Bill. He soon accepted contract work with Peter Kiewit before entering the refrigeration industry. Alongside his younger brother, Charles “Chuck” Allen, Don co-founded Pioneer Refrigeration—later known as Imperial Air Conditioning. The Stone brothers’ work ethic became legendary. Refusing to settle for average residential jobs, they traveled wherever the work demanded, serving prestigious neighborhoods such as Bel Air and Westwood, and holding major accounts including Bel Air Country Club and Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Their business flourished.

Recognizing the need for greater operational efficiency, Don expanded into custom sheet metal fabrication, founding Waccold, Eastone, and Woodley Custom Metal in Van Nuys, California. Even after retiring from active business, Don never slowed down. He turned to something he genuinely enjoyed—puttering. Over the years, he acquired and managed multiple rental properties, fixing whatever needed fixing and constantly improving them. Ever mindful of his family’s future, he purchased additional properties to help ensure rental income for his grandchildren’s college education.

Don met the love of his life, Virginia Nell Vaughn, on a blind date, and just four months later they were married on June 25, 1960, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they raised their two daughters, Lisa Donnell and Kimberly Joy, in Lake View Terrace, California, instilling strong work ethics and deep family values. Their lives were filled with boating trips, RV adventures, and camping wherever the trail might lead. Ginny preceded Don in death, shortly after the passing of their youngest daughter, Kimberly Joy—losses that marked a profound new chapter in his life.

In the following decade, Don shared his life with Linda McCarthy in the Antelope Valley, California. Remarkably, in his 70s, he took on the responsibility of raising his two oldest great-grandchildren. Linda lovingly cared for Don in his final years, and the family remains deeply grateful for her devotion and support.

Don’s ambition and generosity never faded. As his family grew—six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren—he remained a steady foundation, always ensuring their needs were met. He took pride in passing down his heritage, often sharing stories of the Stone family lineage from Surrey, including ties to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the rescue of the Donner Party.

Don was generous to a fault, especially with family. He raised his oldest granddaughter and later, in his mid-70s, once again stepped in to raise his great-grandchildren. His one true weakness, if it could be called that, was that he could never say no to those he loved. Following the passing of his oldest daughter, Lisa, Don’s heart grew weary, and he joined her in heaven one month later.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his daughters, Lisa and Kimberly; and several siblings, including Geraldine, Gordon Edgar, Stephen Rodger, and others. He is survived by his siblings Jay Dee, Jack Clifford, Charles Allen, and Lynda Susan, along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will carry forward his legacy.

A kind, generous, and true Renaissance man at heart, Donald Willey Stone lived a life defined by hard work, ingenuity, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to family. His legacy is one of perseverance, love, and quiet strength—values that will endure for generations.

The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

Services will be held on February 07, 2026, starting at 11am. Located at 1540 E Soledad Pass Rd Palmdale, CA 93550.