Date Of Birth: March 7, 1933
Date Of Death: February 9, 2012
Maurice A. Rice Jr., 78, Passed away at his home in Indianapolis February 9th. He was born March 7, 1933 in Indianapolis. He was a 1951 Graduate of Southport High School and attended Indiana University. He served aboard the USS Cotten during the Korean War. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Dolores (Dee), his son Jeffery (Sherry) Rice, daughter Julie A. Rice, granddaughters Brooke (Adam) Hilderbrand, Jaimie (Nick) Kline, Megan Rice and three great grandchildren.
He worked in the insurance industry for over 42 years. Following his retirement, he and Dee enjoyed traveling on overseas mission trips and visiting friends around the country in their RV. He was an active member of Chapel Rock Christian Church. Other memberships included; American Legion, VFW and Murat Shrine Clowns. He was past-president of Greater Indianapolis Big I, Speedway, Optimist Club and Westwood Country Club.
Services will be held at Chapel Rock Christian Church. Visitation will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 from 2:00 until 7:00p.m. The funeral will follow visitation at 7:00p.m. Military rites will be given at the church at 2:00p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TCM International Institute or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Julie Roger Spencer Ethan Sadie says
We loved Mauri so much… He was a father to this fatherless girl… a friend… and Papaw to my children…. THANK YOU ALL for being such an important part of our lives….He left behind a wonderful legacy of love, laughter and tremendous generosity. Thank you for loving us so well, Papaw Mauri! I’m sure you will keep things hoppin’ up in heaven! Praying for you all! Love you much!GÖÑ
Robin Cole says
I was two years old when Mauri came into my life when he married Dee. Who knew that about fourteen years later he’d end up stuck with me as guardian of a rebellious teenager who’d lost her mother at age fifteen, and who’d never known discipline. Despite my gregarious activities he helped protect me along with Dee and taught me more than he ever was aware. He taught me how to be a clown to bring the light of Christ to others through humor. Mauri made me laugh alot…especially in Evansville on the Ohio River! In reality, he was my second dad when my own father threw his hands up in despair. I’m comforted to know that Mauri’s gone on to a place with no suffering to be with his Lord. As in the Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis from Luke 2:29-32…”Lord, now lettest thou they servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of they people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen” Mauri… your light still shines. Thank you! Robin
Ruth Anne Shattuck says
Mauri loved to go to TCMI mission in Vienna, Austria. Everyone loved him and he became the unofficial, self appointed, head chef of the kitchen. Mauri’s favorite seat was at the kitchen table by the window where he could chat with the students and anyone that passed by. Mauri was a taste tester especially for anything sweet. One evening after dinner I spoted Mauri sitting in the kitchen eating ice cream. Knowing we had not served ice cream for dinner, I asked him why he was eating this treat at 9:00 in the evening? Mauri replied that he had taken just a scoop out of each of the cartons to see if the ice cream was up to TCMI standards and if it was good enough to serve the following evening. I left him to his favorite treat and hoped we would have enough after Mauri was finished.
I know there is ice cream in Heaven, Mauri is there looking for a hand out. God Bless you Mauri, you have shown the love of Christ to everyone you met.
Theresa Richardson Mathews says
I remember all the fun times we had during the holidays at Maury and Dee’s house. We would always play games and euchre. I loved seeing him dressed up as a clown. He always made me laugh. I can hear him talking right now in his distinctive voice. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather! He will be greatly missed, but I’m happy that he is no longer in pain. I pray that God will be with Dee, Julie and Jeff, as well as their families during this time of grief. I wish that I could be there, it just isn’t possible, but I will be there in spirit. God bless you all!
Jan Davis says
Although We did not know him personally, His child is very special to us. That could not happen without a Father’s guidance. Jeff, you and your family are in our prayers.
Lisa PaulBohannon says
I will never forget our road trip in their motor home to Kings Island with Jeff, Maurice and family when we were teenagers. It is a fond memory that always makes me smile. What a wonderful memory of a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to Jeff and family.
Dave Linda Vollrath says
You will be missed by many, we will never forget all our wonderful times together as fellow campers. Daves fondest memories are at Lake Huron when he went to bed and Left you sleeping at the campfire, and when you, Jeff, David & him went on your canoe trip.
May God Bless & Keep you until we meet again in that great Campground in Heaven. Love Dave & Linda Vollrath
Freida Ligman says
Mauri and I worked together for many years on golf outings AND we had so much fun doing it!! I will truly miss him.
Carolyn Jerry Nelson and Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maurie was always a great joy to be around. He was such a caring person. I work with Maurie for several years God Bless
Carol Denny Cook says
Dear Jeff & Sherry,
There isn’t any way to prepare for the loss of a parent. I remember feeling so vulnerable when my Dad and Mom died – suddenly, the loving parents I had always turned to were gone.
Denny & I both share in your sorrow of your father’s passing and also in the relief that the suffering is over. This is a bridge that we both have had to cross with our parents.
There is sorrow in the passing of a generation but please know that all of the joys of great (and in my family some “crazy”) memories remain with you forever.
We didn’t know your father, but he must have been quite a guy – just look at his son!
Please know that we hold you, Sherry and your loved ones close to our hearts and prayers.
Fond regards,
Carol & Denny
richard b hume dick says
i have missed seeing you for many years. always had some new golf to talk to you about.
really enjoyed our time together at indiana ins.
may God bless your family
dick
Denise Bloir Abrell says
I am sure that Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, Danny and Clara have wonderful cottages in heaven with a great RV parking spot for Maurie right there with them! I am so sorry for your loss and wish it had not been so long since I had seen him, such a wonderful man that will be truly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dee, Jeff, Sherry, Julie and family.
Lydia Ritter says
Dear Dee and Family,
I was so sorry to read that Maurice had passed away. I had so hoped that there would be a way to help him recover. I can certainly identify with what you all are going through. Maybe there will be a time later on when we can talk, or have lunch, etc. I regret that I will not be able to be there Monday, but my heart and prayers will be. God Bless, and with Much Love, Lydia
bill robertson columbus in says
Dee- so sad to learn of Maurys passing. Have precious memories of the priceless good times enjoyed with you and Maury/two truly good people. With sympathy and good wishes.
Coral Mediger says
I was so saddened to see that Mauri had passed on. While working with him back in the 70’s I found him to be a gentle, loving and such a kind person. Never once did I see him “lose his temper”. Always gracious and kind. I am sorry that we lost touch. I see by the tribute messages, he did not change and grew even stronger in his love of the Lord. God Bless you all. My Deepest Sympathy.
Lori SmockHoffman says
Dear Mrs. Rice and Family-I was sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of your “Mr. Rice”! I so enjoyed being coached in basketball by him along with Mr. Smith as a little girl. Whenever I’ve thought of him, I’ve remembered his kindness, his patience, and his humor. Mr. Rice was such a good man and touched so many! I was honored to have known him. My thoughts are with you! Lori (Smock) Hoffman
Jim Gay Mick says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherry Babb says
May your memories bring you comfort.
Angie Reed says
What a wonderful, giving, fun-filled man. I have known the Rice’s since I was a teen – and had the pleasure of reuniting with him the last four years. I heard this “laugh” from behind me (one of which I recognized) – and my co-worker said – hey Ang – can you show this nice man where Bone scan is located? I turned and he was grinning ear-to-ear, I had not seen him and Dee for almost 29 years, but his smile was just as I had remembered. To be greated with hugs and his warm sense of humor. what a wonderful gift Heaven has received – but what a huge loss for those left behind. My deepest sympathy for you Dee, and to you as well, Julie and Jeff. For he will never be forgotten.
Lou Petty says
I am writing for my father who is in California at this time. He just learned of Maurice’s passing while out of town. My dad and Maury were friends from many years ago. He would have wanted to attend services if he were in town. My dad sends his condolences for the family with a prayer for peace and comfort.
From Lou and Wanda Petty
Falus Lois Polston says
Lois & I have spent quite a bit of time with Mauri & Dee over the years. He was a fun person and was always the life of the party.
His passing leaves me sad but i’m happy to know he’s in heaven. God Bless you Dee. I know you took good care of him while he was sick.