He was an attorney by trade, but devoted copious amounts of time to golfing, flying, hunting, and fishing. After "retiring" -- a concept totally unfamiliar to him -- from practicing law (at least, full time), he devoted himself to writing novels about the old DeSoto County he grew up in and loved so well. 

Treadwell was an Arcadia native, born and bred, bonding with its land, loving its people. One of his two surviving sons (he also had a daughter), Robert "Bobby" Treadwell, described his father as a man "a big spirit who enjoyed living." 

Treadwell had been growing weaker and frailer for weeks, Bobby said. But true to his indomitable spirit, on the day he went into the hospital, he drove himself to work. 

After 92 years of living well, Treadwell finally succumbed Thursday to old age. His wife, Rachel Bible, had already passed on in 1991. 

Treadwell graduated from DeSoto County High School in 1924, having distinguished himself as class president and captain of the football team. He also attended the University of Florida. 

According to Bobby, Treadwell spent his early years cattle ranching with his father, E. D. Treadwell Sr. The senior Treadwell had started an Arcadia law practice in the 1890's. 

During World War II, Treadwell became a civilian army pilot instructor. He logged 1,500 hours teaching aerial acrobatics at Arcadia's Carlstrom Field. 

"After that, he could fly anything with a motor," Bobby said. 

Flying became a lifelong passion for Treadwell. He finally gave it up at 83 years old, Bobby said, because "he figured he wouldn't be safe anymore." 

Treadwell attended Cumberland Law School in Tennessee, and joined his father and uncle in their law practice. For 50 years, he was an active member of both the American and Florida bar associations. 

He retained the same secretary that his father had, Hazel Parker, until she died at "more than 100 years old," said Claude Jones, a fellow attorney and lifelong friend. "As long as she lived, she had a roof over her head." 

Treadwell semi retired at age 81 and tried to occupy his time with hunting, fishing, and golfing -- yet said he needed to "have something to do." 

So he turned to writing novels about the land and characters he had known in DeSoto County. He published "Ole Charley", "Lucy Lawton of Horse Creek", "Counterfeit Hammock", and "Lorita of Punta Gorda" among others. 

Jones donated a number of Treadwell's books to the DeSoto County Public Library. 

"I don't know how he found time to do it all," Bobby said. 

But what Bobby said he's was most proud of are not his fathers accomplishments, but his character. 

"The biggest thing was his integrity," Bobby said, "and trying to the right thing."