Frank Logsdon Rice

RICE, Frank Logsdon, 93 of Woodsdale, Wheeling, WV, died Saturday, June 10, 2006 at home with his loving family by his side.

Frank was born on October 31, 1912 and was the son of Harry W. and Ida Logsdon Rice.

He was the devoted husband of Mary Ellen Voellinger Rice, who passed away on March 9, 2005. They were married 63 years and 9 months, and were the beloved parents of Nancy Ellen O’Leary, their only child.

He was a graduate of Triadelphia High School, West Liberty State College and Elliot Business College.

Frank was a member of “the greatest generation,” one of those who served their country admirably during World War II. As a member of the United States Army’s 810th Infantry, he served in the Atlantic Theatre of Operations during the war. He was part of the invasionary forces that landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Throughout his entire career, Frank was a manufacturer’s sales representative. He was in the sales division as a sales manager for the Sunshine Biscuit Company for 30 years.

He then became an executive sales representative for International Paper Company. In 1988, he was recognized by the United Commercial Travelers of America for his 50 years affiliations with the organization. This year he was honored for his 68 years of membership in U.C.T.

Frank was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Wheeling. Upon his retirement from sales, he volunteered many hours for St. Michael’s and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.

He was an avid and lifelong golfer who played until the age of 92. He achieved the elusive “hole-in-one” three times during his years on the links. A highlight of his golfing years was the round of golf he played with the legendary Sam Snead at the Greenbrier in 1994, when Snead was the pro-emeritus at the resort, and both men were 82 years of age.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Oglebay Park Golf Club.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, Mary Ellen, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry D. Rice and Clarence “Jiggs” Rice; three sisters, Mrs. Tom (Mae) Merinar, Mrs. Howard (Ruth) Loy, and Alice Rice who died in infancy; one nephew, Tom Merinar Jr.

Surviving are his daughter, Nancy Ellen Rice O’Leary and his son-in-law Jack O’Leary.

He is also survived by a nephew, Robert (Gayle) Creighton of Monroe Georgia; a niece, Mrs. Richard (Joyce) Everson of Martins Ferry, Ohio; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Nancy Voellinger Coleman of Woodsdale; two nephews-in-law, Fred (Sandra) Williams of Lexington, South Carolina and Larry (Janie) Williams of Warwood; and two nieces-in-law, Mrs. John (Kathy) Banco and Miss Ann Weir Coleman, both of Woodsdale.

Friends received on Monday, June 12, 2006 for 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling. The vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Woodsdale with the Rev. Chris Turner, as celebrant.

Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling.

Offer condolences online at altmeyer.com

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. De Chantal Visitation Academy, the alma mater of Frank’s wife and daughter; Wheeling Jesuit University Scholarship Program; or St. Michael’s Development Fund.

Frank was a wonderful husband and father. It is now the wish of his daughter and son-in-law that he once again be united with his partner-in-life, Mary Ellen, and that God may “grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.”