Donald Paul Rice passed away July 23 at the age of 88. He was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the son of Dallas and Mary Rice. He is survived by two brothers, Marvin and Jerry (Sue); three sisters, Betty Sargent, Carol Wagner and Linda Rice; and sister-in-law, Peggie Rice.
Donnie left Prairie Grove at the age of 16 to work in the oil fields of West Texas, setting dynamite charges. He then moved to Oshkosh, Nebraska, on a large ranch, where he lived with the family who made him a member of their own family. He was drafted into the Army and served for three years before moving back home to Prairie Grove.
He went to work for Bill Campbell Custom Floors until 1969, when he took a job with Standard Register. He retired from Standard after 38 years. He also worked for his two brothers-in-law, Marvin and Charles Foster, as a mechanic.
He was also a member of Farmington Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for a time.
Donnie married Mary Sue (Foster) Rice on February 14, 1966. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He was the most proud of his children and grandchildren: Marina “Rina” Lewis and husband Scott; son Eric (deceased) and wife Justina; and son Brandon and wife April.
Six grandchildren: Macy Bowen (Trevor), Easton Lewis (Hope), Justin Rice (Beth), Zachary Rice (Peggy), Lane Bunnell (Chade) and Avery Rice.
Five great-grandchildren: Ava Bowen, Livia Bowen, Yulia Rice, Cash Rice and Malakye Rice (deceased).
He is survived by his nieces, nephews and many who loved him.
Private burial will be at Dutch Mills Cemetery, and a memorial will be held at the Farmington Church of Christ Saturday, July 25 at 2pm.