Joe Dale Rice

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Joe Dale Rice, age 89, of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill.

Joe was born on May 25, 1922 in Sunfield, Ill., a son of John L. and Jessie W. (Hartley) Rice. On Sept. 28, 1946, he was united in marriage to Marie P. Campanella at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Du Quoin, Ill. and to this union was born one son, James L. Rice. Joe was a member of the First Baptist Church, Du Quoin, Ill., Masonic Lodge, Du Quoin, Ill., and Ainad Temple Shrine. He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he earned a purple heart while serving as a staff sergeant in the South Pacific.

Joe had owned and operated Rice's Market, Du Quoin, Ill. for over 20 years. He later worked for Rockford Insurance Company, was a business manager for Southern Illinois Petrol, managed the Perry County Country Club, RHS Steel Company, selling steel buildings, and Amax Coal Company.

He was very active in the American Legion Post 647, Du Quoin, Ill. where he served as District #25 Commander State Uniform Commission, Assistant Department Sergeant at Arms, Chair of the Flag Program, and leader of the American Legion drill team for many years. He was also a member of the Du Quoin V.F.W. Post 513 and Disabled American Veterans. Joe was very active in civic affairs including Lion's Club President, Zone President, Deputy District Gov. Chair and Perry County March of Dimes for seven years.

For over 70 years he was very active in Jazz Combo of Southern Illinois as a drummer, later playing in a combo at nursing homes and senior citizens centers in the surrounding area. Joe was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife, Marie Rice; one son, Jim Rice; one granddaughter, Dawn (Cale) Galbraith; three great grandchildren, Alec, Sydney and Addison Galbraith; one brother, James H. (Earlean) Rice; brother-in-law, Carl Campanella and family all of Du Quoin, Ill. and many dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law, Valerie L. Rice.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church, Du Quoin, Ill. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Joe Wagner and Father Nick Junker officiating. Interment was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Du Quoin, Ill. Military rites were provided by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and Du Quoin American Legion.

Friends called at the First Baptist Church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Du Quoin, Ill.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. was in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.