Robert L. Rice

Robert L. Rice, 67, of Dayton, OH passed away, Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, FL.

He was born December 15, 1945 in Cleveland, OH a son of Charles M. and Winifred L. Van Marter Rice.  He married Donna Hixon and she survives.

Bob was a 1963 graduate of Meadville Area Senior High School, a 1967 graduate of Allegheny College and a 1969 graduate of Ohio University in Athens, OH.  He served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force from 1969-1982 and continued with the U.S. Air Force Reserves at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992.  He retired from his civilian career at WPAFB in January 2000.

Bob was a member of Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, Dayton, OH since April 24, 1983 and served on the Board of Education of Mad River Local Schools, Riverside, OH from 1991-1999 as President, Vice-President and board member.  He was a life member of the Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America, National Defense Industrial Association and the Reserve Officers Association.  Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post #200 in Huber Heights, OH and the Elks Lodge in Punta Gorda, FL.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Donna of 43 years, include: two daughters, Cynthia Leigh Burnette and her husband Jim and Carol Anne Collins and her husband Bryan and seven grandchildren, Douglas Lawrence Anderson III, Madeline Elaine Teague, Conner Ian Teague, Benjamin Richard Collins, William Robert Collins, Zachary Augustus Collins and Claire Annaliese Collins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Mae Rice.

Following services in Dayton, OH a graveside service with military honors provided by Huidekoper VFW Post #2006 will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in Greendale Cemetery with the Rev. Robert Fuller, Pastor, of Littles Corners United Methodist Church, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net