Verlin A. Rice Sr, 95, passed away April 15, 2019. Although a longtime resident of Liberty Center, Verlin was born in Wauseon on October 1, 1923 to John Alfred and Violet (Ziegler) Rice and graduated from Wauseon High School in 1942.
You may remember him from operating Rice’s Restaurant in downtown Napoleon or preparing and serving food at the Whalen Auction. Verlin is preceded in death by Rosemary (Davis) Rice, the first love of his life and wife of nearly 68 years, daughter and son-in-law Joyce and Donald Moore and great-grandson Brock Swany.
He is survived by his sons Verlin Junior (Patsy) Rice, David (Nanette) Rice and daughter, Barbara (John) Whalen, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, his sister Carma Sutton and Arvis Weaks, the late love of his life.
Verlin served in WW II as a cook and achieved the rank of corporal for the Army in the South Pacific and was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 8218, American Legion Post 300 and the DAV Henry County Chapter 30. He served in a variety of positions in these organizations including District 1 Commander for the VFW as well as commander and chaplain for the VFW Post 8218, American Legion and DAV.
In addition Verlin served on the Henry County Vets Commission supporting fellow veterans. He was also a member of the Gleaners. Verlin retired after working over 40 years in construction. He was the superintendent of a crew building bridges throughout NW Ohio and NE Indiana. He attended Shiloh Christian Church.
A service of celebration will be held at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta on Friday, April 26, 2019, at 12:00 Noon, with viewing from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Verlin’s honor is asked to consider the DAV of Henry County Chapter 30 (at 645 Buckeye Av. Napoleon, OHIO 43545), Heritage Farms, a nonprofit organization serving to meet the special needs of kids through horse therapy (at HF-TRC, U 334 County Rd 6, Liberty Center, OH 43532), Hospice of Defiance 6817 Ohio 66, Defiance 43512 and the mission agency for Verlin’s grandson Phil (at YMI, 1300 Envoy Circle, Suite 1306, Louisville, KY, 40299).
Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.