Francis Carl Rice

Francis Carl Rice, 79, of Auburn, Nebraska was born on September 19, 1942, in Jefferson City, Missouri to Benjamin J. and Gladys (Dunlap) Rice.  Francis moved with his family to Nemaha, Nebraska when he was in grade school and continued his education.  Francis later graduated from Nemaha High School with the class of 1961.  On March 3, 1964, he entered active duty for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served his country until being honorably discharged on February 21, 1967.  While in the service, Francis received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.

On September 27, 1974, Francis was united in marriage to Loris “Jean” Brink at Coryell Park in Nemaha County, Nebraska.  To this union two children, Benjamin Dean and Shanna Marie were born.  The couple raised their family in Auburn where Francis worked for Armstrong Cabinet Factory for 42 years before retiring.  He was a member of the New Life Church in Auburn and conducted Bible Study at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home for 40 years.  Later in life, Francis continued ministering at the Tarkio Academy in Tarkio, Missouri.  He truly enjoyed being witness to others of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his miraculous salvation.  In his spare time, Francis loved writing poems, baking goodies, gardening, playing pinochle, reading and studying the bible.

Francis went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at his home in Auburn, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of 79 years, 10 months and 14 days.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Duane Mathers, Benjamin Rice Jr., Johnny and Harold Rice, sisters: Edna Colglazier, Jetta Kirchman and Freida Hughes and brothers-in-law: John Curttright and Bob Borchert.

Francis is survived by his loving wife Jean Rice of Auburn, NE; son Benjamin Rice of Auburn, NE; daughter Shanna Rice of Copperas Cove, TX; grandchildren: Aaron Adams of Auburn, NE; Samantha Adams of Beatrice, NE; Bailey Bohling of Fort Riley, KS; Terrance Bohling of Humboldt, NE; great-grandson Dawson Deyong of Beatrice, NE; sisters: Rosa Curttright of Riverside, MO; Deloris Campbell and husband Bob of Seward, NE; Marjorie Borchert of Independence, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022 at New Life Church in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Michael Mattox officiating.  Visitation will be two hours prior to services from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the New Life Church.  

Interment will immediately follow services at the Nemaha Cemetery in Nemaha, Nebraska with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Army Funeral Honor Guard and Auburn American Legion Post #23.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-707 15th ST-Auburn, NE (402) 274-3131

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Carl Rice, please visit our floral store.