Liston Donneal (L.D.) Bochette, Jr.October 27, 2017Liston Donneal Bochette Jr. (L.D.) unexpectedly left this earthly world on October 27, 2017 while enjoying life and sharing his goodness with others. He was born on Newnans Lake in Gainesville, Florida on August 6, 1929, the second child and eldest son. His lifelong love of nature began in his youth. He obtained the rank of Eagle Scout and served in the Order of the Arrow. Later, he was awarded the 'Silver Beaver' distinction for his mentoring of younger scouts. His two sons also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.L.D. was an All-State First Team football player at G.H.S. which brought him many scholarship offers. He chose Rollins College in Winter Park and played against larger schools, often as the leading offensive rusher. L.D. was an active in student affairs and a member of the X Club. While at Rollins he met Norma Jeanne Thaggard of Fort Myers, an outstanding athlete and an academic herself. They would later marry. Graduating with a degree in business he signed to play pro football with the New York Giants. Norma Jeanne pursued her ballet career in New York City and L.D. returned to Law School at the University of Florida. He enlisted in the Unites States Air Force attending Officers Training and was Commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant flying F-94C fighter, interceptors headed to the Korean conflict.In January of 1953 during tactical maneuvers, L.D. was involved in a tragic mid-air collision. He was the only survivor; by the Grace of God, and his fierce determination to live; climbing from the burning aircraft, he parachuted to earth. While hospitalized with severe wounds, Norma Jeanne gave birth to his first-born son and perhaps his reason to live.Honorably discharged from the Armed Services, the couple moved to Fort Myers where he worked in Norman Auto Supply. He rose to senior management and eventually bought the company along with Eric McNab and A.P. Minshew. Together, Eric and L.D. expanded the company to cover all of Southwest Florida built of family ties. His company became the largest of its type east of the Mississippi, later merging and going public on the NYSE. L.D. went on to acquire other businesses such as Evans & Park and invested in Real Estate throughout the State.L.D. served on various bank boards, government and civic committees, including the Edison Ford Winter Estates, SWFL Historical Society, SWFL Symphony, Community Concerts, SWFL Boy Scouts, Fort Myers Beautification, among others. He was instrumental in establishing Centennial Park in Fort Myers. L.D. was close to his faith teaching at the First Baptist Church. Later he was a member of Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church.L.D. greatly enjoyed supporting others to reach their goals. Many local businesses benefited by his hand. His sense of Fellowship took him to develop countless deep and meaningful relationships throughout the country. He was a perfect Southern Gentleman; polite, discrete, honest and loyal. His character was obvious in his plain speech. L.D. was at home wherever he went, in the vineyards of Europe, the cypress heads of the Everglades or "Summit" luncheons with his colleagues.L.D. was proud of his children who followed their parents' footsteps in sport, the arts and business. He is survived by his spouse, Norma Jeanne Thaggard; his three children: Norman Lee (Madeline), Jeanne Alyce, Liston Donneal, III; two grandchildren, Brittany and Brian; two great-grandchildren, Bryson and Owen; and ten nieces and nephews."Reflections of Faith" service — Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 at 2:00."Celebration of Life" gathering — Edison Ford Winter Estates, Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 at 5:30.L.D. was the essence of "Goodness Incarnate" — In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Bochette Educational Scholarship Fund, Edison Ford Winter Estates, c/o Chris Pendelton, President & CEO, P.O. Box 2368, Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 335-3678.