John R. Rice

John R. Rice, passed away on Monday, May 2^nd, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on April 27, 1938 in Joppa, Illinois to Thomas and Sarah Margaret Rice.

Husband of Sue Rice for 58 years. Grandfather to Ashley Garrett, and brother of Jerry Rice.

Uncle to Steve (Merlina) Fletcher, Deidra (John) Jacobs, Craig (Tracy) Rice, Dawne Soderholm, Darren (Denise) Rice, Thomas Rice, Bud (Peggy) Kasper, Cheryl (Dave) Dietrich, as well as many great and great-great-nephews, nieces, and cousins. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Kasper.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Bob Rice and Thomas “Ced” Rice and sisters, Sue Fletcher and Mary Lou Rice.

John joined the Air Force in 1957. He served in Vietnam and was stationed in Turkey, Spain, as well as many other cities in the United States. He retired after 20 years of service to our country.

After retirement, he moved to St. Peters, Missouri to begin a job as a telephone maintenance instructor for Continental Telephone and years later Verizon.

For many years John worked as a courier for Metro Imaging.

John was an active member in the Masonic Lodge. He was the Past Master of A.F. & A.M at Mechanicsville Lodge in Defiance, Missouri. He was also a member of the Mid Rivers Christian Church for approximately 37 years.

At 6’7”, he was our “gentle giant”. He loved snow skiing, sailing, and being with family and friends. He always kept us entertained, and was loved by everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made to Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care, 14805 North Outer 40 Rd, Suite160, Chesterfield, MO 63017.