Donald MacFarland Rice

Donald MacFarland Rice Saginaw, Michigan Passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the Sterling House. Age 94 years. The son of the late Eliot and Leila (Lyon) Rice was born December 2, 1920 in Saginaw, Michigan the youngest of their three children. Don graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1938. He attended Bay City Junior College (Delta College) and then moved to Detroit to work for Chrysler. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1942-1945, honorably discharged as a 1st Class Petty Officer. He married Virginia Joyce Ewbank, April 4, 1945 in Ames United Methodist Church. She survives him. After his discharge from the Navy, he brought a John Deere tractor and he and his wife moved to Bridgeport, where he went to work for his father, who owned and operated Cass River Nurseries. He became sole owner of the Nursery which he worked until his retirement. Don was a charter member of the Saginaw Valley Nurseryman's Association. Don and Virginia liked square dancing, ballroom dancing and polka, which kept them active in the winter. They were former member of St. Mark Episcopal Church. Don was a member of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years and served as Trustee of Bridgeport Township for 12 years. He was active in many community organizations and was a charter member and past president of the Bridgeport Lions Club. Surviving besides his wife, Virginia, are two daughters, Laura Rice, Portage, MI; Joann Rice and her husband, Larry Greene, Pleasant Hill, CA; A grandson, Brent Nilles; three great grandchildren, Samantha Beebe, Kevin M. Nilles, Crystal L. Nilles; two great great grandchildren, Nicholas and Razrial Beebe; a sister, Virginia Haas; a nephews, Allen Ewbank. He was predeceased by his son, Donald MacFarland, Jr. who was born July 7, 1946 and died, November 4, 1946, and a brother, Richard Rice in 1945. The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Hwy. The Rev. Daniel Cannon will officiate with Military burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the auspices of V.F.W. Post #1859. Friends may call at the Chapel from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until the time of the funeral service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Bridgeport Library, Bridgeport Fire Dept. or charity of their choice. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
5700 Dixie Highway
Saginaw, MI
United States 48601