Donald E. Rice

Donald Earl Rice, age 73, of Fulton, IL, passed away on January 26, 2024 at the VA Medical Center, in Iowa City, IA. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral home in Savanna, IL at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before the service. Burial will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery.

Don was born December 24, 1950, in Savanna, IL, the son of Lawrence and Shirley (Burkholder) Rice. He primarily attended Thomson schools. In 1968, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly and dutifully serving his country through three tours in Vietnam. Don re-enlisted three times over the years serving in many different roles within the Corps, including military police, instructor, recruiter, and armorer. Don’s non-military career consisted of jobs with Drives Factory in Fulton and the fertilizer plant in Buffalo Prairie, IL, as well as being a handy man when the need arose. Don was also a volunteer firefighter for many years.

On January 18, 1975, Don married Susan Patterson at Buffalo Prairie Presbyterian Church. Both proud Marines, Don and Susan would go on to have three children together and celebrate nearly 50 years of marriage. Don loved to hunt and fish and could often be found tinkering in his garage. On summer afternoons, he loved to watch and/or listen to Chicago Cubs, and Fall Sundays were for the Bears!

As his children grew, Don was blessed with seven grandchildren who became his favorite part of life. He lit up around those kids, each and every time he saw them. Don loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Tracy (David), Andrew (Lucy) and Betty (James); grandchildren, Cheyenne, Keegan, Jaicob, Mackenzie, Khloe, Karyssa, and Katie; and siblings, Richard, Mike, Kevin, Keith, Tommy, and Mark. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Shirley; siblings, Paula, Kathy, Gary, Steven, Terry, and Randy; and nephew, Danny.