Don Rice

1939 - 2016

Don Rice passed away at his home on April 14, 2016. He was born on February 12, 1939 to Faris Emil and Quanah (Osman) Rice in Sulfur, Oklahoma. Don was employed by the Borger News-Herald as a photographer for 54 years, where he won many awards and achieved national acclaim. Don has covered every story in our small town for all of these years, large and small, from major explosions to tiny t-ball players. He was a member of the National Press Photographers Association and was inducted into the Texas Panhandle Photographer's Association.
Don was an active member of our local EOC, and spent many hours storm chasing and weather watching to keep our families safe, just another one of the many ways he served our community. He was a charter member of the Borger Model Airplane Club, and spent many hours teaching anyone who wanted to learn how to build and fly model airplanes. He was an avid fisherman, boat enthusiast, scuba diver, and hunter.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Faris Emil (2000) and Quanah (1981) Rice and his twin sister Donna Hardin (1966).
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Rice, with whom he eloped on April 21, 1969. He is also survived by his two sons Donald Lynn Rice with wife Kaye Rice of Borger and Daniel Kent Rice of Borger, as well as his godson Robert Ian Nelms with wife Rachel of Michigan. He leaves behind multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren including Davia Newton and husband Victor of Amarillo, Aaron Rice with his daughter Kyanna of Borger, Cassandra Vann and husband Josh with children; Anthony, Michael, and Jade of Fritch, Christopher Rice and wife Sonya with children; Michelangelo, Summer, and Elric of Amarillo, Justin Poole with children; Deztiny and Kaleb of Borger, Jared Rice and wife Katisha with children; Bella and Violet of McLean, Michelle Rice of Houston, Natasha Rice of Borger, Claire Rice of Guymon, Morgan Rice of Guymon, Amara Nelms of Michigan, and Ahyanna Nelms of Michigan.
Cremation will be entrusted to Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors. A celebration of Don's life will be held at 4 pm Thursday, April 28, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Borger with Rev. Bruce Riddling officiating.
While no viewing will be available, a public memorial room has been organized at Minton Chatwell honoring Don and his lifetime of achievements. For details, the funeral home can be reached at 274-7333.
Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Sanders, Paul Durisseau, Robert Vinyard, Danny Richards, Tom Hinde, and Mike Rodriguez.
In lieu of flowers his memory may be honored with donations to Pleasant Hills Children's Home C/O Stinnett First Assembly of God, P.O. Box 3395, Stinnett, Texas 79083 or Shriner Children's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.