Donald Rice

Donald G. Rice, 90, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield. He was born on May 9, 1921, in Callaway County, the son of Guy and Murty Rice. He was married in Marion, Ky., on September 20, 1945, to Virginia McNeely Rice. Mr. Rice attended school in Holts Summit. He was an Army veteran, having served three and one-half years in the European Theater. He worked for Central Dairy in Jefferson City for 33 years before retiring in 1978. He was a member of Galloway Baptist Church in Springfield. He was a man of faith and integrity and enjoyed music and always sang in the church choir or led the music. He also served as a deacon and held other positions in his church. Besides being busy with church he loved to work. In his spare time he built the family home in Centertown and also the family home in California. He also helped family and friends with remodeling and helped construct several church buildings. He is survived by wife, Virginia; one daughter, Phyllis Anderson; one daughter-in-law, Harriett O. Rice; one granddaughter, Carla Kirchner and husband Roger; one grandson, Devon R. Rice and wife Darlene; three great-grandchildren, all of Springfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael Dean Rice; one son-in-law, Rev. Carl Anderson; four brothers, Luther, Paul, J.R., and Bobby; three sisters, Hilda Forbis, Bertha Cremer, and Mildred Jones. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bowlin Cantriel Funeral Services. Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens with full military honors in Jefferson City. Officiating will be the Rev. Dennis Martin assisted by Rev. Ty Harmon. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Grand Oaks Mission, c/o Greene County Baptist Association, 834 W. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak St. California, MO 65018.