WILLIAM EDWARD RICE

William Edward Rice, 89, was born to Denzil (Dink) and Willa (Billie) Rice on April 24th, 1935 in Liberal Missouri, raised in Golden City with his brother Robert (Bob) and sister Nancy Rice. Bill graduated from Liberal High School in 1953. He then joined the Missouri National Guard and later transferred to the California National Guard upon moving to Barstow California in 1962. Bill served proudly in the Army National Guard for 42 years, retiring as a chief warrant officer 4 (CW4).

He worked for the Department of Defense at Fort Irwin Training Center (M.A.T.E.S.) for forty years as a supervisor. Bill loved his family, woodworking, camping, backpacking, and football. Bill was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church. Additionally, He served many years in the Boy Scouts of America as Scoutmaster and was awarded the Silver Beaver for service in the scouts and in the community.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dink and Billie, brother Bob and daughter Jana. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Ferrier Rice; sister Nancy Tohill of St Louis MO., Sons Larry Rice, Jim and wife Kaye Webster, Ron and wife Ren’ee Webster, daughters Jill Rice and Theresa Jackson. Additionally 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren! 

Bill died peacefully at his home on September 16, 2024.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Brasher Cemetery on Hwy. 97 in Jerico Springs.