Howard Rice

Howard Walter Rice, age 85, of Danville, passed away at 11:20 am on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at his home. He was born January 17, 1924 in Allerton, IL the son of Lyle and Pearl (Whitehead) Rice. He married Mary Webb on December 10, 1948 at the First Baptist Church in Danville. She survives. Howard is also survived by his son: Kenny Rice of Danville; one sister: Marjorie (Rusty) Billiott of the state of Texas; and close friends: Cheryl Weller, Dennis and Jo Wood, Dode Greene, the Smiths and the Hendersons. He was preceded in death by his parents. Howard graduated from Allerton High School. After graduation he served in the United States Army with the 132nd Engineer Company during World War II. He started working at the Danville Veterans Hospital on June 25, 1946 and worked there until his retirement on March 21, 1980. He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors including: camping, fishing, boating, and mushroom hunting. He also loved his pet dogs. Howard was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and active in NARFE. A celebration of the life of Howard Rice will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in Howards name to the American Cancer Society. Email condolences can be sent to his family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.