Donald E. Rice, 85, passed away at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 1, 2015, at his home at Big Barbee Lake. He was born Oct. 11, 1929, in Lima, Ohio, to Charles and Faye Rice. On June 18, 1982, he married Marilyn Harmes. He worked for IHC, Fort Wayne, as an engineer for 25 years, and 10 years in the Detroit area for various automotive engineering firms, traveling from his home in Fort Wayne to Detroit weekly. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and family time at the home on the lake. He was a big John Wayne fan and would watch his movies over and over, along with “The Virginian” and “Gunsmoke.” His nickname was “The Duke,” and many of his friends only knew him as Duke. One room at his home is completely decorated with John Wayne memorabilia. He raised five children with his former wife, Alice, in Fort Wayne. Surviving are five children with his former wife: Rick (and spouse Anne) Rice, Jeff (and spouse Tammy) Rice, Pamela (and spouse Eric) Lehman, Doug (and spouse Nancy) Rice, Brian (and spouse Sandi) Rice; 11 grandchildren: Gabriel, Misty (and spouse Adam) Mueller, Christopher, Cameron, Chandler, Matt, Hunter, Karlie Rice, Katie (and spouse Mathew) Kindness, Ashlee (and spouse Andrew) Bartlett, Autumn Lehman; nine great-grandchildren: Elijah, Jeremiah and Nolan Kindness, Remington and Nova Bartlett, Tori, Austin and Carter Jefferies, Joseph and Caydence Mueller; and a brother, Al (and spouse Anne) Rice, Jeffersonville; two children with wife Mary Harmes: Lori (and spouse Todd) Scandling and Scott and Beth Harmes; seven grandchildren: Mollie (and spouse Greg) Bryant, Nick Harmes and Thomas (and fiancee Jocelyn Brosamer) Harmes, Emilie (and fiance Kyle Blevins) Harmes, Colton and Katelyn Scandling and Adam Crispo; three great-grandchildren: Ava, Noah and Evayla Bryant. He was preceded in death by a brother and a granddaughter, Nicole Lehman. Services will be at 3 p.m. today at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with Pastor Glen Francis officiating. Burial is at a later date. Calling is from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorials to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 02, Albion, IN 46701; or the animal shelter of donor’s choice. Condolences via www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
