Orval Eugene "Gene" Rice

Orval Eugene “Gene” Rice went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the age of 76 years, five months, and four days. A Memorial Gathering with Air Force honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Kincannon Funeral Home. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Gene was born on October 18, 1946 in Locust Grove, Oklahoma to Orval Edwin and Myrtle Mae (Anderson) Rice. He attended Locust Grove Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1964. On March 2, 1965 Gene and Marilyn Kay Storie were united in marriage. They were married 58 years and 20 days. After graduation Gene went to Barber College, opening his own shop in 1965. Later that year he received a Draft Notice for the United States Army. He enlisted in the Air Force on January 2, 1966 and left for Boot Camp on March 2, 1966. Gene spent 20 years, five months, and three days proudly serving his country before retiring in October 1987. He then went to work for Roff Oil Company delivering fuel to farmers in the Altus area. Gene started working for the City of Altus in 1996, retiring for good in 2009. Gene was a loving husband and was devoted to his family. He loved to fish with his grandsons when they were young. He also loved car racing and going to the lake to take his boys water skiing.

His parents, Orval and Myrtle; two brothers, Edwin Rice and Cleo Rice; and three sisters, Elva Dean, Opal Rice, and Erma Lee Applegate preceded him in death.

Those left to honor Gene’s memory are his loving wife, Marilyn, of the home; two sons, Billy and wife, Michelle Rice of Altus and Bobby and wife, Tamara Rice of Lawton; two grandsons, Braxton, Patrick and wife, KC, all of Altus; great grandchildren, Ryder and Raelyn; brother, Cleburn Rice of Adair, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to JCMH Hospice, 1204 E. Tamarack Road, Altus, OK 73521. Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com.