Richard Lee Rice

Richard Lee Rice, 76, of Thomson, IL, passed away June 30, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Clinton, IA. A visitation will be held at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna Saturday, July 6 beginning at 10 a.m. with a service beginning at 12 p.m. A burial will follow at Lower York Cemetery.

Richard Rice was born on February 21, 1948, to Lawrence Rice and Shirley Tenley in Dixon, IL. His early life was marked by a love for the great outdoors. He grew up in Thomson, where he spent countless hours fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed supporting his two favorite sports teams, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.

Richard joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and later returned to reunite with the love of his life, Connie Merchant. Together they had 4 children, Robbie, Christina, William, Melinda, and nephew Josh. They spent 45 wonderful years together before Connie’s passing in 2017.

Richard’s dedication to education took him to Highland Community College, where he earned his GED in 1983, demonstrating to his children the importance of education. His sense of humor was a hallmark of his personality. He was a renowned jokester who could lighten up any room with his quick wit.

Above all, Richard was a family man. He was a loving and devoted husband to Connie, a role he cherished deeply. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he took great pleasure in being an active and loving presence in their lives.

He is survived by his children, Robbie (Jennifer) Rice, Christina (Javier) Alaniz, William (Sarah) Rice, Melinda (Jeffrey) Groenewold; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five siblings, Mike (Misty) Rice, Tommy (Melissa) Rice, Mark (Danni) Burkholder, Kevin (Melinda) Rice, Keith (Lisa) Rice and sister-in-law, Susan Rice. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Shirley; his wife, Connie; siblings, Donald, Paula, Gary, Steven, Terry, Cathy, and Randy; and nephew, Danny.