Kim Durant Rice

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kim Durant Rice, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and patriot, who passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on November 5, 1951, to the late James “Jim” and Ruth (Williams) Rice in Zanesville, Ohio, Kim dedicated his life to serving his family and his country, leaving behind a legacy of love and bravery. 

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Kim served with distinction during the Vietnam War as a River Rat. He carried immense pride in his service, honoring the rich tradition of military commitment that ran through his family for generations since the Revolutionary War. After his honorable service, Kim spent over 20 years working tirelessly at Owens Corning, Owens Illinois, and Columbia Cement, where he was an active member of the GMP Union. His work ethic and dedication were admired by colleagues and friends alike.

Kim was not only a skilled worker but a brilliant mind. He had a deep passion for astrophysics and quantum mechanics and was often found immersed in the works of renowned scientists like Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking. His love for knowledge was matched only by his love for his family. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Beth (Williams) Rice, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage, and his beloved children: Jessica (Brian) Rice Reinhardt, Melissa (Matthew) Rice-Trout, and Kenneth (Dawn Heonis) Rice. Kim is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Johnathan “JB” Reinhardt, Julia Reinhardt, Connar Trout, Mackenzie Trout and Ryleigh Trout, as well as his sisters-in-law, Patsy Samson and Holly (Steve) Jeffers and his cousins Clara Ann (Savage) Danison and Jim Savage. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him, especially for his willingness to "put himself in harm's way to help someone else."

Kim Durant Rice will forever be remembered for his kindness, his brilliance, and his unwavering dedication and love for his family. 

Kim was preceded in death by his parents James K. and Ruth M. Rice, his two still born twin brothers, his half-brother, Roger Sands, and his cousins, Kay (Savage) Smith, Olena Mae (Savage) Luckett and Donald Savage and many other loved ones.

In honor of Kim’s life and legacy, a public viewing will be held at Goebel Funeral Home, 36 N. Buckeye Street, Crooksville, on Sunday February 23, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service will follow on Monday February 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Kim will be laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard in conjunction with the local Veteran's organizations.