Victor Rice

Victor M. Rice died on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born on March 6, 1950 to Chester and Maytle Rice. Victor attended Temple High School. In 1970, he joined the Seabee Navy Construction Battalion. He was honorably discharged in 1974. He met his wife, Augusta A. Barabas in 1975. They married on March 3, 1978. They had three beautiful children. Victor earned two Associates Degrees in Drafting and Design and Law Enforcement Technology from Temple College. He worked for the Department of USDANRCS as a surveyor from 1974 to 1996. In 1997, Victor and his brother, Don Rice, started their own business: Rice Inspection, Inc. He joined the Seabee Reserves NMCB 22 in 1983 and served for 25 years. He made Chief in 2000. He transferred to the Air Force in 2005 and served as a Master Sergeant until 2010 when he retired.

Victor was a friend to all. He was a loving husband, father, brother and son. He was the kind to never meet a stranger. He had one of the most kind and giving hearts. He endured his share of pain and grief, but still remained a happy soul. He always had the brightest smile on his face. He was very patriotic and loyal to our country and fellow soldiers. He loved bring part of the military. It lived inside him.

Victor is preceded in death by his son, Garrett Leath Rice, in 1987 and a daughter, Amber Nicole Rice, in 2007 and by his parents, Chester Rice in 1997 and Maytle L. Rice in 2008.

He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Augusta A. Rice, and a daughter, Mysty A. Rice of Temple. Two brothers, C.L. Rice and Elly of Katy, Texas, Don Rice and Shirley of McGregor, Texas and two sisters, Glinda Pipkin and Roy of Forney, Texas and Joyce Denke and Dewain of Riesel, Texas. Also, 24 nieces and nephews, 43 grand nieces and nephews and 11 greatgrand nieces and nephews.

The family asks for donations to be made in Victors honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758518, Topeka Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Please include In Honor of Victor M. Rice.

Visitation will be 24 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014, at HarperTalasek Funeral Home in Temple. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 3, at Temple Bible Church. Burial will follow in Little Flock Cemetery.