Donald R. Liston's Obituary
Mr. Donald R. Liston, age 75, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2020 with his wife Lillian at his side. Don fought valiantly to the end after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and pneumonia.
Don enlisted in the Army and after serving was honorably discharged as a Sgt-E-5. Don was a decorated Army Green Beret, Vietnam Veteran and former POW in Laos; his medals included 3 Purple Hearts, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Silver Star, Bronze Star, U.S. Army Special Forces Airborne, Good Conduct Medal, and numerous other citations. Prior to his Army career Don was a Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska in 1966 and 1967 of which he was very proud. After his service to our country he was a police officer/homicide detective in Phoenix, Arizona for 12 years.
Don is survived by his wife, Lillian; Daughter Holly Liston; Sons Ronald , Sean, Terry and Chad; Stepdaughter Rae-Ann Willis & grandchildren Chris, Matt & Nikki; Stepsons Shawn (wife Carrie) & grandchildren Cydnie and Shawn Jr.; Douglas Keilitz (Emily); Brothers Warren, Vance & Richard, Sister Linda and long-time special friends Terri Bauer, Rev. Edward & Janet Krauss.
Don was predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Edna; Brothers Jerry, Vernon, Robert; Sisters Barbara, Catherine; Stepdaughter Terry Howell.
Burial will be in Sarasota National Cemetery. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.
Sincere thanks are expressed to the Veterans Hospital, nurses and doctors in the departments of Chemotherapy, Surgical ICU, Unit 5B, and Hospice for all the special care Don received.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions in Don’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Don was passionate that all children deserve to be taken care of.
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