It is with profound sadness I write that Lance "Todd" Don, age 57, died recently in Pensacola, Florida, on April 1, 2025. Todd was born on October 24, 1967, at the Sea Bee Base in Port Hueneme, California, while his dad was in Vietnam.

Todd spent much of his time off from work in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Todd loved the ocean. It was in the Pacific Ocean that he learned to ride a surfboard. On one occasion, when he was 11 years old, he and his brother Shan were saved from being swept out to sea by surfers near the Port Hueneme Pier. Todd's remark once he was on land again was, "It was a great adventure, Mom," said with a beaming smile as he headed off to the pool.

His recent employers with large cross-country trucking companies took him through most of the states. He also drove cranes for a company in Pensacola. Todd took great pride in his work and was a respected employee.

Todd never married nor had biological children, but he was an "uncle" to many of his friends' children. He always cared deeply for children and extended his generosity to them by ensuring they had swim fins, goggles, school supplies, and clothes.

Todd was preceded by his maternal grandparents, Roy R. Burlingame and Doris E. Currie Burlingame, and his paternal grandparents,  Alfred Gustave Don and Doris Emory Don. Todd leaves behind his mother, Joyce Jeannette Burlingame, his father, Dwight Lance Don, his brother Jon Shannon Don and his partner Lydia Santiago, his sister Kimberly Anjanette (Don) Tinsley, his niece Skye Logue, nephew River Burns, nephew Jonathan (Don) Lloyd, and a great nephew Ace Tinsley.

He will be missed by his uncles and aunts and their children, his many friends and their children.  All who knew him and spent anytime with him will no doubt remember his big laugh and the good times they shared.

His brother Shan recalls one of the best times in their life together was when they were living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Todd acquired a 1970 Dodge Dart. He took great care in getting it running and outfitted it with blue shag carpeting. Todd let Shan ride in the one-seater, and off they went driving around the base with the music of Jason Aldean singing "Dirt Road Anthem" blaring from the speakers.

Todd also took great care of his 2000 Dodge pickup that he purchased in 2001.

Todd is now free of all earthly restraints. His laughter is no doubt reverberating throughout heaven. He is now enjoying his smokes of choice, along with his favorite drinks and food; seafood, pizza, and heaven knows what else he loved.

He will no doubt show up in your life with a message of love and happiness.

Recently, he had a squadron of Blue Angels, with one leading the pack, contrails flying in their wake, fly right in front of his mom and brother in Pensacola. Todd now has at his fingertips all the amazing things God can do for all of us.

Todd's heart and soul were infinite in caring for those less fortunate, especially children. He would no doubt be honored if you would consider donating to a charity of your choice.

Todd will be honored with a memorial at a future date. His ashes will be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico as per his wishes.

If you would like to share your memories of Todd, please feel free to share with all of us who loved him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/lance-don/obituary/

Copy