Fred A. Rice's Obituary
Decatur-Fred A. Rice, 71, of Decatur, passed away at 1:19 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2011 in his home with his family by his side.
Services to celebrate Fred's life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors provided by the Macon County Honor Guard and the 'Flight Home' Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation.
Fred was born February 1, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois the son of Harold and Gladys Rice. He proudly served his country as a member of the Illinois Air National Guard and United States Air Force serving during the Berlin Crisis. He was retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Co. He was a member of the Coles County Corvette Club and an avid collector and restorer of classic cars. Fred loved spending time with his family and many friends and could often be found presiding over morning 'board meetings' in the Man Room. He married Kay Jividen on December 23, 1960 in Decatur.
He leaves behind his wife Kay, son Jeffry A. Rice of Nashville, TN, daughter Angela Bateson and husband Tom of Oreana, IL, son Stanley Rice and wife Lisa of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Daniel Bateson and Kristen Rice, and sister Judy Hart and husband Joe of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Mario Velasco and the nurses and staff of Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, Alpha Care, and the nurses and staff of DMH Hospice.
The family of Fred A. Rice is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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