Donald M. Rice, age 90, passed away on August 5, 2013. Don was married to Dorothy S. Rice and they enjoyed 65 years together. He is also survived by daughter, Barbara and son-in-law John Barta, Jr.; son Robert and daughter-in-law Marjorie; grandchildren, Jeffrey Barta (Laura), Bethany Barta Garbe (Alex), Clinton Rice and Julia Rice; and three great-granddaughters, Moira and Devlin Barta and Clare Garbe.
Don was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 29, 1923 to Ethyl and Clinton Rice. Prior to World War II, he attended Dartmouth College. He completed his education at The University of Illinois in 1948 with a degree in ceramic engineering. He was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. Don was a Staff Sergeant with the 84th Infantry Railsplitters during World War II, and received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. He thoroughly enjoyed his Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC. Don worked for Davis Firebrick Company for 32 years and retired in 1986 as Executive Vice President.
In retirement Don served his community in many capacities. He was a member of the Hocking Technical College Advisory Board and a judge for Jackson High School science fairs. Don was a 30-year member of the Rotary Club never having missed a meeting. He served in leadership positions for several Rotary committees including the Sunshine Baskets, pancake supper and the Apple Festival booth. Don was a founding member of the Jackson Airport Authority established in 1980. In 1998 Don received the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Pride Award.
Don was also instrumental in promoting and maintaining the YMCA in Jackson. He served as President of the YMCA board for 25 years where he was honored in January of 2013 for his many years of service there. Don enjoyed flying and sailing. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to continue Don’s work through contributions to the Jackson YMCA, 594 E. Main Street, Jackson.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson with Rev. Dave Roach officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Friends can call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com.
via Donald M. Rice – www.theTelegramNews.com | Jackson and Vinton County’s Home Page – Jackson, OH.