John Richard Rice, 74

John Richard Rice, 84, of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Lakeview Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Boonville.

He was born June 30, 1931, in Beaman, son of Silas Wendell and Lucille Kemp Rice, who preceded him in death.

On July 24, 1970, in Sedalia, John was united in marriage to LaWanda J. Cline.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and 35 years in the Reserves.

John worked as a heavy equipment operator for Howard Construction and was a member of Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by eight children: Regina Lawson, of Sedalia, Patrick Curd, of Long Beach, CA, DaLissa Butler, of Sedalia, Dionne Rice, of Chicago, IL, Tonya Jacobs-Jackson, of Sedalia, Darren Cline, of Sedalia, Terrance Cline, of Sedalia, and Dennis Cline, of Sedalia; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Larry Rice and Charles Rice; four sisters, Frances Dyer, Alma Wells, Emogene Comier and Charlotte Newton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Rodney “Petey” Cline; and two brothers, David Rice and Harrison Rice.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at First Baptist Church in Sedalia.

Burial with full military honors will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.