Darrell Rice's Obituary
Darrell Dean Rice passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 2019, at the Clare House in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Darrell was born to George Henry Rice and Annis Marie (Morrow) Rice on February 16, 1938, in Coffeyville, Kansas. Spending his childhood and teen years in Kansas, Darrell graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1956. That same year seeking adventure Darrell joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Trout Submarine until his honorable discharge in 1962. During his time in the Navy Darrell met and married his wife Alice Nielson and after Darrell’s service to our country they settled in Catoosa, Oklahoma where they were blessed with their son David Dean Rice. For the next several years they made Catoosa home until Alice’s untimely death in 1992. Darrell met and married Gayle Bates Smith in 1999 and blended their families together as only two caring individuals could. They lived briefly in Sand Springs and upon Darrell’s retirement of 40 years’ service from Frank Murphy Manufacturing as the Vice President of Engineering, they moved to Broken Arrow, where they resided until Darrell’s passing. Darrell was a devout Christian man and he and Gayle were involved in the First United Methodist Church of Broken Arrow. Darrell enjoyed the Mr. & Mrs. Class at the church and volunteered for many various outreaches during his time there. Darrell was an outdoorsman, enjoying cabin living on the lake and RV camping throughout various parts of the country. He always made family reunions a priority and liked to study and research the family’s genealogy. He was an avid fisherman and hunter enjoying many, many hours in the forest with his son David. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents George and Annis, his sister Shirley Joanne (Rice) Babcock and Alice Rice. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 20 years Gayle Rice of Broken Arrow, OK., brother Jim Rice of Modesto, CA, sister Barbara (Rice) Burri of Nampa, ID, son David & Kelly Rice of Grove, OK., grandsons, David Daniel & Amy Rice of Claremore, OK., Joshua & Brittney Rice of Elk City, OK., granddaughter Emily Jane Browning Rice and great-grandchildren, David Dylan, Aly Jo, Daxton, Dresdan and Holger. Extended family Doug and Tessi bates of San Diego, CA., Donald Bates of Guthrie, OK., Randy Bates of Yukon, OK., and Gary Bates of Stigler, OK., great grandchildren Blake & Anessia Bates of OKC, Corey Bates of OKC, Elana Gayle Bates of San Diego, CA., Sarah and Raul Cota of Chula Vista, CA. And great grandchildren Jaxon, Willow, Grayson, Ezra, Zoe and Evalina. Darrell was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather to a blended family of 23 who will forever be touched by his gentle way, kind words, loving spirit and practical wisdom which impacted so many during his time here with us.A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate the life of Darrell Rice on May 17th 11:00AM at the First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts in Darrell’s honor to be given to Mr. & Mrs. Sunday School Class or Prayer Card Ministries at First United Methodist Church, 112 E College, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
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