July 19, 1924 – January 11, 2019
Donald E. Rice died on Friday, January 11, 2019, at the age of 94. Born July 19, 1924 to the late Leaton A. and Katherine (Baker) Rice in Boise, Idaho, Don grew up in Bonne Terre and Herculaneum, Missouri and ultimately made his home in South County, St. Louis, Missouri. Beloved husband of almost 50 years to the late Dorothy Jeane Rice (nee Myers). Dear brother of the late James A. (Polly) Rice Sr., dear brother-in-law of James (Dora) Myers Sr. of El Paso, Texas. Beloved uncle of Kathy (Frank) DiTillo of Hannibal, MO, James (Cindy) Rice Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Jeanne Marie (Kevin) Kelly of St. Louis, MO, Tom (Diane) Rice of Columbia, MO, James (Cathleen) Myers Jr. of Lodi, CA, and Ruby Myers de la Garza of Chihuahua, Mexico. Proud great uncle of Theresa (Ken) Joggerst, Lizzy (Ben) Devlin, Nichole (Eric) Ancell, John (Rose) DiTillo, Daniel Rice, Angela (Kevin) Tierney, Erin (Justin) McLaury, Tom (Jamie) Mueller, Kevin (Kim) Rice, David (Vivian) Rice, Chris (Amber) Rice, Michael Rice, Katelyn Myers, Joshua Myers, Ruby Myers de la Garza, and Adrian Myers de la Garza. Delighted great grand uncle of Alex, Tori, Michael, Caleb, Joshua, Isabella, Bethany, Abigail, Emily, Issak, Joseph, Nora, Charlotte, Sophia, Eoin, Polly, Hugo, Ruby, Everley, Andrew, Olivia, Evie, Reina, and Gabriel. Dear special friend of Doris Rice.
Don was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and had a long career in the field of metallurgy. He served in the US Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He enjoyed his many travels with his wife Dorothy, as well as documenting and sharing those trips with his slideshows. He enjoyed playing cards, especially in two long-running poker groups, fishing, his cats, and tending his rose garden. He was quick to laugh and often had a joke or story to tell. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. Don always seemed to be content, and thoroughly enjoyed his time with his wife and extended family. He loved them, and was deeply loved in return. Don was a long-time member of Affton Christian Church, and valued his many friends there. Special thanks to Mary Ann McKay, Sondra, Maggie, and Carla – Don’s team – who cared for Don with love and attention these last years as his health declined, allowing him to live and enjoy his life as fully as possible at every stage.
He will be tremendously missed.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Thurs., Jan 17, 11:00 a.m. until funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Contributions to Affton Christian Church appreciated. .