Michael Thomas Rice's Obituary
Michael Thomas Rice passed away in Broken Arrow, Ok on January 2, 2024 at the age of 38.
Michael is survived by his wife Erin Rice (VanDeventer) and children Brynlee Elizabeth and Vann Michael of Broken Arrow. His mother and father Donald and Jamie Rice of Broken Arrow, Aunt Connie, Claudia, Ellen, Betsy and their families, his brother Jeff Rice, sister in law Val Rice of Broken Arrow, and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his Grandparents Lloyd and Winnie Rice and Grandparents James and Mary Beth Calk.
Michael was born in Norman, Oklahoma on November 2, 1985 to Donald and Jamie Rice. In 1988 they moved to Broken Arrow where Michael would grow up playing many sports. Michael played football for and graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 2004 and went on to play college football at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. Michael’s love for sports lived with him throughout his entire life and lead to some of his greatest memories with his family and formed his life long friendships with his “Crew”.
Mike met his wife Erin in 2009 on an online dating website and would always tell everyone that Erin found him. After dating a few years Michael and Erin welcomed their first born child, Brynlee Elizabeth Rice on October 29, 2012. They were married on May 17, 2013. Michael and Erin then gave birth to their 2nd child, Vann Michael Lloyd Rice on June 21, 2018. These babies were Michael’s world. He was there every minute of every day and was quickly the favorite parent as he was always the fun one and the jokester. He always made sure they had everything they needed including plenty of candy, ice cream, and other treats. Most importantly he LOVED his children with all his heart.
Michael loved music and probably knew more artists and songs than most. He loved passing down his passion for music to his children and was able to take them to their very first concert in 2023 when they went to see Zach Bryan. A memory that will always be cherished.
Michael Loved his “Crew” of lifelong friends who he had known since early childhood. Memories of childhood, high school, college, marriages, parent hood, and so much more kept this group tight together through today. His family and friends meant so much to him! He was so thankful to get home to Broken Arrow and spend one last Christmas seeing his friends and family before he left this earth.
Viewing for Michael is scheduled for Friday, January 5th, at Floral Haven 4-7pm. Celebration of Life will take place at The Park Church of Christ Saturday, January 6th at 11am followed by lunch. Tuesday, January 9th at 11am, there will also be a Funeral Mass Service held at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church. Everyone is invited to all services. Come one, come all to celebrate Michael Thomas!
In place of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in support of Michael’s children. Those wishing to contribute may do so by clicking the flowing link:
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