Wendell L. Rice

Johnston City- Wendell L. Rice, 74, of Johnston City, passed away peacefully after a short but courageous battle with cancer at 7:58 PM, Friday, November 30, 2007 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Wendell was born on September 11, 1933 in Herrin to Clyde & Aileen (McNeill) Rice. He graduated from Herrin High School in 1951. He married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Ranchino on March 12, 1954 in DuQuoin. They shared fifty three wonderful years together. Wendell served the United States during the Korean Conflict as a paratrooper in the Armys 82nd Airborne, stationed at Ft. Bragg. Once honorably discharged he returned home and worked as an audit supervisor for American General Finance Company for thirty eight years until his retirement. Mr. Rice was a member of the Herrin Free Methodist Church and regularly attended the Herrin First Baptist Church. Wendell formerly served as a board member and treasurer of the Herrin Senior Citizens. He was a lifetime member of the Herrin Elks and a member of the Freeman Spur American Legion Post. SURVIVORS: Wife- Carolyn Sue Rice of Johnston City Son & daughter in law- Scott Daniel & Debbie Rice of Carbondale Daughter & son in law- Wendy & Bruce Franklin of Herrin Grandchild- Adam Franklin of Chicago Grandchildren- Kelsey & Hayden Franklin of Herrin Brother in law- Louis Ranchino & wife Karen of Savanna, IL Sister in law- Maria Stoudt of Pekin Cousin- Marilyn Burk Moore of Mesa, AZ Cousin- Patsy Burk Brummett of Harriman, TN He was preceded in death by his parents & father in law- Vego Ranchino. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Don Grammer & Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Military Rites will be performed at Herrin City Cemetery by the Herrin VFW & American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 11:00 until time of service, Wednesday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Herrin First Baptist Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Freeman Spur American Legion Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.