Vernon E. Rice, age 74, of Ligonier, Ind., passed away at 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, Ind.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1938, to John and Josephine (Koekenberg) Rice in Attica, Ind.

He graduated from Attica High School in 1955 and went on to serve four years in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He had retired after 37 years of service at Silgan in Ligonier. He had a love for antique cars and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities whenever possible

Surviving are his mother: Josephine Rice, Ligonier; two nieces: Randi Rice, Kendallville, Ind.; and Jona Johnson of El Paso, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his father; and brothers: John Glen and Larry Lee.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier.  Visitation will also be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Maus Funerall Home, 704 S. Council St., Attica, Ind. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday in Maus Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Attica.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Noble County Hospice Association.