Neil D. Rice

Neil D. Rice, 78, of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, October 23, 2004.
Neil was retired from Consolidation Coal Company and from SIU Coal Research Center as an instructor.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin and the Du Quoin Elks Lodge.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran of W.W. II.
He was born June 11, 1926 at Christopher, IL, the son of Theodore and Mary (Furlow) Rice.
He married Virginia L. Lewis on December 6, 1947 at Oceola, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2002.
He is survived by his mother - Mary Rice of Du Quoin, one son - Steve Rice and wife Cindy of Tamaroa, IL and one daughter - Marla Bearden of Carterville, IL, one brother - Carl Rice of Livingston, TX, two sisters - Yvonne Sapp of Springfield, IL, and Cheryl Benson of Ardmore, OK, grandchildren - Matthew Bearden of Carterville, IL, Jason Rice of Park City, UT, Jamie Glasco of Herrin, IL, and Bryan Rice of Ft. Collins, CO, and two great grandchildren - Draven Corse and Brianna Glasco, both of Herrin, IL.
He was preceded in death by his father and wife.
Funeral services were at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, October 28, 2004 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Janice West officiating.
Friends called from 11 A.M. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Interment was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites were conducted by Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.
Friends may make memorials to the Elks Crippled Children's Fund.
