Kenneth Lauren Rice, died on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Ripley County, MO, at the age of 93 years, 13 days. He was born December 29, 1930, in Fairmount Station, MO, to the late Harold L. and Verna Mae (Smith) Rice.
Kenneth’s early years were spent moving with his family to Oklahoma and Missouri. Some of his happiest times were his early teen years roaming the hills and hollers in Ripley County with his best friend, Faye Abbott. Kenneth attended school in Grandin but dropped out in the 10th grade to work and take care of his mother, brothers, and sisters. Kenneth worked for Smock Transportation in Doniphan.
In 1951, he married Margie Crewes, the mother of his four children. In 1953 they moved to Oklahoma where Ken worked 31 years for City Service Gas Pipeline Company. Ken retired in 1986 and was self-employed.
In 1965, Ken married Lorene Davis. They had 49 happy years until her death in 2016. They hoped to move “back home” to Ripley County, but each time they tried. Lorene’s health intervened so they remained in Midwest City, OK to be near doctors.
Ken was a devout Baptist and was the Sunday School Superintendent at Woods Baptist Church in Choctaw, OK for 30 years. Ken, Lorene, and her twin sister, Florene, sang for churches all around the state.
In 2018, Ken moved back to Ripley County to spend life with his first love (and hers), Sylvia West Richmond. Kenneth enjoyed woodworking, fishing, traveling, and camping. He was a good, caring man, and was loved by everyone. Ken was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Doniphan.
Surviving is his companion, Sylvia Richmond; sister-in-law, Florene Harp; sons, James (Roberta) Davis and Steven (Beatrice) Rice; daughters, Ellen (Jim) Ballard, Juanita Bartel, Carla (Doug) Webster, and Vonnie (John) Martin; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Preceding Ken in death were his parents; wife, Lorene Rice; sisters, Elizabeth Chaligoj, Donna, Nona-Joe, Carol, and Joyce; brothers, Charles, Harold Dean, and John; son, Ricky Davis, and a grandson, Josh Wadin.
Visitation will be held in the Edwards funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
