STEELEVILLE – Charles "Dale" Rice, 89, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the Landing, Carbondale, Illinois.

Dale was born on September 6, 1934, in Coulterville, IL, the son of Eugene and Mildred (Patton) Rice. He married Donna JoAnn Schnoeker on February 8, 1958, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL. Dale attended SIU Carbondale, was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired coal miner. He was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, and a retired member of Steeleville Fire Department. Dale was a fan of all SIU Athletics and served on the Selective Service Board. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife, Donna Rice of Steeleville, IL, his children: Scott (Bridget) Rice of Cobden, IL, Stacy (Jesse) Longoria of Ocala, FL, Sherri Rice of Burke, Va; his grandchildren: Jessica (Thomas) Schmelzle, Clinton (Kelsey) Rice, Willow Longoria, Chloe Longoria, Isabella Longoria, Sophia McCullers; his great grandchildren: Lydia, Grant, Isaac, Lucy, Maggie, William, and Nora and one sister: Sue Hermes of Sparta.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Russell, and a sister, Norma.

Funeral services will be on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Burial to follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, and then on Monday, 12:00 till time of service. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois and can mailed in c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.