Donald E. Rice, a truly gentle man, entered into eternal life on Thursday, January 23, 2014 after an unfair fight with kidney disease at the age of 84. Don graduated from Sheffield High in 1947. He served as a Sergeant 1st Class with the 28th Division during the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1990 after 34 years as a shift supervisor with Penelec. Don was an active member of the Epworth and Covenant United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and on numerous committees. He had been a member of the North Star Masonic Lodge #241, a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troup #37 for ten years, and a member of the Glade Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid volunteer with the Faith Inn, “Are You Okay?”, RSVP Toy Shoppe, Meals on Wheels, and Warren General Hospital. Don enjoyed the simple life of loving God, helping family and spending time with wonderful friends and neighbors.
Don leaves his devoted wife of 64 years, Ruth Miller Rice, his loving children, Dawn (John Blanding) of Fairport, NY, Kim of Stafford, VA, and Beth (Ralph Bush) of Colorado Springs, CO, his adoring grandchildren, Lee (Denea) of Stafford, VA, Kyle (Melinda) Bush, Elyse (Ryan) Seal, and Leah Bush, all of Colorado Springs, CO, his wonderful great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Spencer and Trenton Rice, sisters, Elizabeth (Bill) Wilson and Harriet (Ray) Reedy, and many nephews and nieces. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. and Isabelle Blanding Rice, brothers John, Harry, Charles C., William, and George, sister, Ellen Louise Swoyer and daughter-in-law, Judy Rice.
Friends may call at Covenant United Methodist Church, 1624 Pennsylvania Avenue East, Warren, PA on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 1 to 2:00 P.M. when a memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held with the Rev. Seth McClymonds, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Barnes Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church, or to Trans World Radio, P. O. Box 8700, Cary, NC 27512 marked for Ryan and Elyse Seal or Hospice of Warren County, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA. 16365. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
We are very sorry of the loss of your husband, Father, and Grandfather. This is a message from Barry and Wife in Oklahoma. We will keep you in our prayers and May God Bless you All.
Barry and Margaret Wright
I offer my condolences to the family of Don Rice. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Don as employees of Penelec in the good old days. He was truly a good person who looked on the bright side of things and always had a smile or a nice thing to say. It sounds like he led a full and productive life and I am sure will be missed by family and friends.
Our Deepest Sympathy to Ruth and Family for the loss of truly a Wonderful Husband, Father and Grandfather. We have many fond memories of Don over the years and he will be missed tremendously by our Family. You are ALL in our Thoughts and Prayers Always.
Sheila & Tom Horne
Daniel, Christina & Sophia Saeli