William Rice Obituary

William A. Rice

Dec 1, 1939 - Oct 17, 2024

Norwalk

William A. Rice, 84, of Norwalk, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Embassy of Willard. He was born Dec. 1, 1939, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Everett and Alice (Brown) Rice.

William grew up near Indian Lake in Lima and has since lived most of his life in Norwalk. He started working in construction and then was a chief operator at the water treatment plant for over 24 years.

William enjoyed the outdoors and tending to his lawn. He also liked to fish, birdwatch, and hear about his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Amherst, where he and his wife Lydia co-taught Sunday school for 23 years. William especially loved spending time with his dog, Sophie.

William is survived by, his loving wife of 48 years, Lydia Rice; their daughter, Mary (Rev. Joshua) Haugen; his daughters, Kathy (Vern) Nansel, Debbie (John) Sanchez, and Brenda (fiancé Eric) Campbell; his grandchildren, River, Ashley, Justin, Austin, Jake, Garrett, Cole, Ruth, Joshua, Klara, Jonathan and Lyla; his great-grandchildren, Sky and Brysen; sister, Carolyn Braddock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Rice and Alice Olde; stepfather, Charles Odle; brothers, Robert Rice, Everett Rice and Clarence Lee Rice.

Family and friends may call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct.24, 2024, and 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main St., Norwalk, OH 44857. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice and Embassy of Willard for their kind care of William.

Memorial contributions in William's name can be made to the donor's chosen charity.

Expressions of sympathy to the family may also be made online by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com