Richard Earl Rice, Sr.: 1931 – 2023

Richard Earl Rice Sr., 92, of Casper Wyoming, passed away on Sunday, December 17.

Richard was born on January 6, 1931, to John and Susan Rice in Mason City Iowa. In 1949, Richard graduated high school and two years later joined the United States Air Force. In July of 1951, Richard hitchhiked from Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas back to Mason City, Iowa to marry his high school sweetheart, Patricia Hennies (Rice).

Richard fell in love with Wyoming during a hunting trip with childhood friends in 1955. The following year, he convinced his young wife to move their growing family from Iowa to Casper, Wyoming, where they raised their five children: Richard, Robert, Roxanne, Rebecca, and Rochelle.

Richard was passionate about guns and hunting and in 1965 he started gun-smithing school at Trinidad State College. He then continued his studying at the University of Wyoming where he graduated with a degree in education in 1970. Richard taught machine shop and welding at Natrona County High School until he retired in 1991.

After retiring, Richard and his wife Pat became busier than ever. They filled their time collecting and re-selling antiques and started spending their winters in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard continued to hunt in Wyoming well into his late eighties. Richard and Pat became avid travelers and have great stories from camping in Alaska, taking a train through Mexico, numerous cruises, and visiting Europe, Australia, and South America. During their summers Richard and Pat also took multiple trips with the Good Sam’s group in their RV. Richard was a ruthless cards and dominos player and would play countless rounds with the Good Sam’s, friends, and family and wouldn’t let anyone else win (even the grandchildren when they were young). Richard loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and would take them hunting, fishing, and entertain them with his stories.

Richard was predeceased in death by his parents, John and Susan; his brother, John Jr.; and sisters, Leona and Dorothy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat Rice; children: Richard, Robert, Roxanne, Rebecca, and Rochelle; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Mount Hope Lutheran Church (2300 Hickory St, Casper, Wyoming) on Friday, December 29 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is Thursday, December 28, from 6-8 pm at Newcomers Mortuary (710 E Second, Casper, WY). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mount Hope Lutheran School.