Kenneth Lee Rice

I was born at home in Loco, Oklahoma on February 25, 1932 and entered the gates of heaven on December 26, 2023 at the age of 91. My loving parents were Marion and Viola(Dillon) Rice. Most of my school years were spent at Alma(Velma-Alma) until my Sophomore year, moving to Comanche my junior year and graduating my Senior year 1950 as a Waurika Eagle. After graduation I joined the United States Army where I served our country in Japan in the Korean War. I was honorably discharged in 1952 and began working for Nelson Morris in 1953. In 1959 my brother-in-law Grover Roberts and I purchased the business from Nelson and this was the beginning of Waurika Body Shop. We repaired autos, straightened auto frames and had a wrecker service for over 40 years. Upon Grover’s retirement, I sold the wrecker service and did auto repair until my semi-retirement. I then went on to make home deliveries for HealthStar durable medical until my retirement. I married the love of my life Birdean Whitehead on August 12, 1955 in Purcell, Oklahoma. During my years of business I belonged to the Waurika Lions Club, Waurika Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, and the Jaycee’s (responsible for the beginning of the Rattlesnake Hunt) and served one term as state director for the Jaycee’s. Birdean and I were members of the Assembly of God church for many years where I served as Deacon, church secretary and treasurer, maintained the yard and building maintenance. I am survived by my one and only Birdean, my daughter Susan Glenn and her husband Rick Tallon. My pride and joy granddaughter, Lindsi Ulloa her husband Aaron and my 2 great grandchildren Camden and Andersyn. My nieces Brenda, Paula, Jeannie, Pam (Jim), Debbie(Arnie), Tonya(Russell), Anita, and my nephew Glenn(Michel). I was preceded in death by my parents, sister Christine, brother in law Grover, son-in-law Ronnie Glenn, nephews Larry, Tim and Bill and brother in laws Charles (Rosemary) Whitehead and Harold Whitehead. My many thanks to DRH home health, Dr. Thomas Crow, Brenda and Paula for their extra care they gave me.

Graveside service will be Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 11:00AM at the Waurika Cemetery with Kelly Roberts officiating. Visitation from 2-7PM with family receiving visitors from 6-7 at Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika