Harry W. Rice

Harry W. Rice, 96, Warren, IN passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018, at Heritage Pointe in Warren, IN.

Harry Rice was born on January 10, 1922, to Franklin and Nova (Paden) Rice in Pauls Valley, OK.  He was the middle child of nine and is the only known surviving member of his family.  He married Jean E. Redding on December 30, 1945, in Huntington, IN. Jean preceded him in death on May 8, 2016.

Harry was a 1941 graduate of Huntington High School.  A year later he was drafted.  Mr. Rice was a Medic in the 6th Army, 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Battalion, 12th Regiment during World War II. He set sail for Australia on July 4, 1943.  He left Tokyo after seeing the Armistice being signed late in 1945 and said, "Best boat ride I ever had."  He returned to Huntington, Indiana on November 5, 1945, and married his girlfriend on December 30, 1945. He was married for 70 years and five months to his beloved Jean. He was a man of great faith who left a legacy of faith to his family.  Now he's finally home.

He was a lieutenant on the Huntington City Fire Dept. where he served for 20 years.  He also was employed at the YMCA, Huntington, IN, and Venice Elementary School in Venice., FL.   Mr. and Mrs. Rice were residents of Venice, Florida for 26 years.   Mr. Rice was a member of the VFW Post #2689, Huntington, IN and The International Fire Fighters Association. 

Mr. Rice is survived by two daughters, Judith A. Randall, Huntington, IN, and Debra S. (Peter) Deal, Midland, MI.  Mr. Rice, lovingly known as Papo, has seven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Along with his parents, siblings and wife he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Wayne Randall.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel, 801 Huntington Avenue, Warren, IN, 46792.

A Funeral Service will follow the calling hours at 3:00 p.m. at The Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel with Chaplin Ginny Soultz Officiating.

Private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Billy Graham Association or to The Gideons in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN   46750.

McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences:   www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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