After a long battle with complications from surgery, Dave Rice went home to his Lord on Sunday, September 22, 2013. Born in Quincy, IL April 17, 1933 to the late Carl and Marion Rice, Dave led a life full of love, compassion with dedication as a servant of Jesus Christ. He always demonstrated his unconditional love for his family and friends and will be deeply missed.
He graduated high school in Washington, MO and was a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in Business Administration in 1956. After serving his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, Dave married Mary Ellen Shelton in 1953 and began the growth of a beautiful family shortly thereafter. Earlier this year, Dave and Mary Ellen celebrated their 60th anniversary of their wonderful marriage.
Dave was the loving father of Michael Rice of Pt. St. Lucie, FL, Victoria West (Bill) of Acworth, GA, Thomas Rice of Daingerfield, TX, and Patrick Rice (Kathleen) of Superior, CO. He is survived by 11 wonderful grandchildren and 6 beautiful great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Hill of Washington, MO, his brother Richard Rice of Kansas City, MO and his brother Steven Rice of Washington, MO., as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dave began his 39 year career with State Farm Insurance Company in 1958, retiring in 1997. He remained active in community services throughout his career and in retirement by his outstanding service on numerous boards and committees, including the Kiwanis Club, various church boards and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Dave was also a Gallon Club donor with the American Red Cross.
Dave was a founding parishioner of the St. Ignatius Cathedral in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, which later became the home of the Archdiocese of Palm Beach. He remained active in retirement with St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Pt. St. Lucie, FL and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. Dave was a member of The Cascades Men’s Club, recently serving as the Club President.
As an avid fisherman, Dave enjoyed any opportunity to fish with his friends or family and enjoyed leisurely cruises on his boat. He also loved to golf, not for the competition as much as for the enjoyment of time spent with his family and friends.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 9:30AM – 10:30AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 350 NW California Blvd., Port. St. Lucie, FL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30AM
Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice House, 5090 Dunn Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34981, or St. Bernadette Catholic Church 350 NW California Blvd, Port. St. Lucie, FL 34986.
Arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home, Port St. Lucie, FL. Please visit and sign our guest register book at www.aycockportstlucie.com.
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