LEWISTON – Franklin E. Pond Sr., 81, a resident of 58 Washington Park Road, Auburn died early Thursday morning, July 22, at Central Maine Medical Center following a long illness.

He was born in Windsor, Conn., June 24, 1923, the son of Joseph H. and Helen (Pease) Pond.

Mr. Pond was an Army veteran of World War II having served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member and past president of American Legion Post 31 of Auburn and the VFW Post 1603 also in Auburn.

He was employed as machinist at Bath Iron Works, and was also employed for Twin City Dental Lab until his retirement due to illness. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching M.A.S.H. on television. He especially enjoyed family time and will be sadly missed.

Survivors include the love of his life, the former Dorothy Phelps, of Auburn whom he married Feb. 15, 1969; two sons, Wayne Chapman and his wife, Lisa, of Oakland, Gary Chapman and his wife, Janet, of Auburn; two daughters, Nancy Lajoie, of Lewiston, and Kathleen J. Clark and her husband, Robert, of Auburn; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his son, Franklin E. Pond Jr., in March of 2000.