Richard W. Rice

Richard W. Rice, age 87, of Battle Creek, passed away Friday evening, July 15, 2022. He was born in Battle Creek on November 10, 1934, the son of Clayton and Dorothy (Ashley) Rice. Richard faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard and worked for the Coca-Cola Company for more than 34 years.

Richard married the "Love of His Life", Marlene A. Jaeger, at the Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek on August 19, 1955; she sadly preceded him in death on January 20, 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Debra (Duane) Newman, and Michelle Lucero, both of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Matthew Newman, Melissa Newman, Alyssa Fox, and Preston Lucero; and two great-grandchildren, Jonah Fox and Stella Fox. Richard was also preceded in death by his son, Clayton Richard Rice on January 16, 2018; his parents, and two sisters, Ruth Anne Tyler and Marjy Weitting.

Richard served as a volunteer fireman with Battle Creek Township for several years. He enjoyed collecting coins and Coca-Cola memorabilia, woodworking, golfing, and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

The family will gather with friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 22nd at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate Richard's life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23rd.The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/731051171. Interment with full military honors will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25th at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Elara Caring Hospice.