Darrel L. Rice

Darrel Lawrence Rice, age 67, of Toledo, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 27,2018 after a brief illness at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Darrel was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 5, 1951 to Bernard D. Rice and Dorothy A. (Rice) Setmire.
During his lifetime, he received many academic and athletic awards, honors,and earned achievements including: earning the rank of Eagle Scout and graduating near the top of his class of 1969 at Whitmer High School. He was also an inductee into Whitmer High School Athletic Hall of Fame, having been a member of the undefeated 1968 Whitmer Football Team. He also had a great love for music including playing the piano for many, many years. He attended Columbia University in the Ivy League before returning to Toledo to complete his undergraduate degree and where he also attended The University of Toledo College of Law earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1977.
Darrel practiced law at Cubbon and Associates in Toledo for 22 years. He was licensed to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and all other Ohio trial and appellate courts. He was a past member of the Ohio State Bar Association and Toledo Bar Association. In 1999 he sought a change of pace and enjoyed working at Kayo Lumber Company in Lambertville, Michigan for many years while continuing to practice law part time until his retirement at age 62.
Darrel was married for 19 years to Katherine "Kat" Rice and they had two children Rebecca Lynn (Merino) and
Thomas Edward Merino, II. Although their marriage ended, those who knew them knew that their love for each other never did. They remained close and Darrel grieved her untimely demise in 2011 at the age of 50.
He was fortunate to have a very close relationship with his dear friend and companion, Kathleen Warrington Striggow, for approximately the last 5 years of his life. She was a huge blessing and great comfort to Darrel
and was always at his side.
Darrel will best be remembered for his undying love for his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He spoke endlessly of his love for them and every one of their many accomplishments. He may hold the all time "Papa" record for his attendance at sporting and and other events involving his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeffrey R. Rice.
He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Wayne, Jr.) Cluckey, son, Thomas Merino, II, and 7 grandchildren, Logan, Lucas and Lauryn Cluckey and Courtney, Zoe, Blake and Aidan Merino. Also surviving is his twin brother, David L. (Diane) Rice, of Temperance, Michigan and sister, Susan F. (Sam) Rice of New Orleans, Louisiana and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 2 PM to 7 PM at the Newcomer Funeral Home 4150 Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio. A private graveside service will take place on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Darrel's name may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 800 S. Detroit Ave Toledo, Ohio 43609.
To leave a special message for Darrel's family please visit; www.NewcomerToledo.com.