C. Dennis Rice passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, on the afternoon of January 20,2022. Our Leader and Big Bear went to be with our Lord Jesus at the age of 80. Born in 1941 in Larned, Kansas on February 18th to William and Betty Rice (nee Stephens) He was an only child and a profound force of nature. He was the kind of fierce man unlike God's world had yet to see. People and creatures were drawn to hm. He had many good high school buddies that remained friends until his last day. He had countless stray cats and pet dogs - no pup more special to him than Goldie and Bert. He was mighty in stature, but a gentle whisperer to both humankind and the animal kingdom.

He is predeceased by his parents, William and Betty Rice (nee Stephens), grandparents Bill and Gladys Stephens, whom he absolutely cherished and adored. They taught him the true gentleman's code: a healthy dose of mischievous high-jinx, the art of storytelling, how to be both approachable and dangerous, how to excel at all things, but not at the expense of harming an innocent, how to make anyone and everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and invited; and, ultimately, how to savor a cold stein of red beer with a toast of devotion to faith, family and fidelity. The gentleman was a marvel.

As a young man he joined the Navy and was assigned to covert operations.
He became a barber around the same time he became smitten by an auburn haired, brown eyed, 21 year old maven. Her name is, Linda Louise Rice (née Fugger) and there is no one on this planet he loved more than her. Only death could ever take him from the 57years he courted her with flowers, furniture, fast cars, fancy collectibles and rock-in-roll serenades (Three Dog Night, Moody Blues, Meatloaf). Together they made a life in Great Bend, KS.

During the 1970's, he held the position of a deputy sheriff and owner of a private patrol business specializing in security guards for meat packing plants, cattle yards, liquor stores, fine jewelers and gemologists. Who else but our Pops could precisely, expertly and easily traverse the diversity of a a side of beef, booze, and blue topaz? No man but our Protector, Teacher and King.

In the 1980's he moved his family of five to Burlington, KS to accept a high-ranking security position at Wolf Creek, where he remained until retirement. During those two decades, and into the 90's, he was known as a crack-shot for his unparalleled marksmanship. The man was a master with hand guns and a master instructor at teaching others safety, respect, integrity and at how to be a quick-triggered, dead eye shot.

In addition to these accomplishments , the 80's also grew his family to six. Surprise!
Joshua Lance Patten Rice (Kayla)became the caboose to our wild train and daddy's miracle child. He and Josh were such close buddies.
Daddy's namesake, Dennis Lynn Rice (son Eli, who held such a special and beautiful bond with his grandpa), is a rock and mountain of a man - truly a chip off the old block. What high praise! Den and daddy were bound by the creed 'Endeavor to Persevere."
William Eric Rice (Brandy, who he loved like his own)is a son and a man after God's own heart-and after our father's own heart, too. The bond they shared is indescribable, indelible and inspiring.
C. Dennis' eldest child, Theresa Loree Rose Harris (Jeff, who he thought of as another son) was the only girl and his princess. Just ask her little brothers! His granddaughters, and Theresa's ladies, Lakin Easterling (Luke), Riah Andrews (Cody), Tessa Andrews, and Bella Andrews were Peeps' (as they affectionately called him) extra heart chambers and bright colors of light. As infants, he held each one of them in his extra large, crazy strong, albeit tender hands. He never let go of them, no matter the miles or distance. His great grand children, Rosabelle and Archer Easterling, made him smile whenever he spoke their names.

To say that we will miss our Super Hero is to minimize the enormous void he leaves in each one of us. That said, as anyone whoever knew him, if even for just a brief moment, will tell you his legacy of love, loving kindness and the ability to leap over tall buildings in a single bound will fill us until we can share our secret, Rice handshake again in heaven.

The public funeral mass will be Monday, January 24, 2022 at 10am at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Burlington. A private inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington followed by visitation from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.

If we would like to share a remembrance, send it to: bibelot5684@yahoo.com.

If you care to make a donation in the memory of C. Dennis, please give to St Francis or to your local Humane Society or go to your local watering hole and raise a glass in his name. Cheers, Pops! WITH ALL OUR GRATITUDE AND LOVE, GO REST HIGH!