Loren S. Rice's Obituary
Loren S. Rice, age 82, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 1:23 a.m., at his home in Pinckneyville, IL.
Loren was born on March 4, 1941, at his home in Tamaroa, IL, a son to Alva and Gladys (Cowley) Rice. On June 13, 2004, he married Frances (Lacy) Rice, nee, Thornton, at Concord Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL and she survives. Loren proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic and retired after 21 years of service. While in the Army, he served two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Throughout his military career, Loren was the recipient for the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Good Conduct Medal. After retirement, he worked as a security guard at Blue Grass Army Depot, Richmond, KY.
He was a member of Concord Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL. Loren enjoyed fishing, gardening, and hunting. He knew his way around the kitchen and was best known for his chicken fried steak, biscuits and sausage gravy, and meatloaf. Loren loved spending time with family and friends and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 20 years, Frances Rice of Pinckneyville, IL; seven children, Lori (Matt) Kelley of Italy, Michael (Lisa) Rice of DuQuoin, IL, Eli (Misty) Saddler of Spain, Pernie Harris of Swanwick, IL, Jerry (Tina) Lacy of Pinckneyville, IL, Missy (Eric) Weber of Sparta, IL, and Brent (Elayna) Lacy of Rockville, IN; four siblings, Steven (Beverly) Rice of Davenport, IA, Glen Rice of Swanwick, IL, Kenneth (Debbie) Rice of Davenport, IA, and Linda (Tim) Polo of South Carolina; sixteen grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Joanne Hepp of Pinckneyville, IL and Barbara Rice of Davenport, IA; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Carol; eight siblings, Nelson Rice, Carl Rice, Purl Rice, Martha Melvin, Alta Elder, Wilma Cope, Christina Keller, and Mildred Vance.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at Winkle Baptist Church, Coulterville, IL with Brother Jeff Downard and Brother Tim McIntyre officiating.
Visitation will be at Winkle Baptist Church, Coulterville, IL on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Swanwick Bethel Cemetery, Swanwick, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to Swanwick Bethel Cemetery Association.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL, was entrusted with the arrangements.
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