John Robert Rice, of Vienna, was born November 19, 1944, in Johnson City, Broome County, New York, a son of Daniel and Margaret (Bartley) Rice, and passed from this life Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his residence with his devoted wife, Margaret, by his side.

He was united in marriage December 31, 1981, at Santa Ana, California, to the former Miss Margaret Rose Orr.

John had a varied and resourceful work life and provided well for his family. He was a loyal and wonderful husband and father, who spent the last 40 years creating his dream home with his loving wife, Margaret, and their six children, in Vienna, Missouri. John was a true family man, first and foremost, a farmer, an all-around handy man, and the families "go-to" guy! He was a very generous, kind, and tender loving man, who sometimes wore a coat resembling that of a "big grizzly bear", but in reality, he was just a sweet "honey bear"! John never met an enemy, befriended many, and was loved and cherished by all his family, immediate and extended, as well as a multitude of friends and acquaintances. John will truly be missed, yet most fondly remembered.

He was a loyal family man who leaves behind quite a legacy of loved children and grandchildren. John is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Margaret Rose; his six children and their families, Thomas Andrew Rice; Tracy Marie and Josh Libby, children, Brittany, Dakota and Ciara, grandchildren, Aidan, Kiernan, Silas, Calluna and Jacob; Rebecca Ellen Monroe, children, Jessica, Trent, and Aaron, grandchildren, Braelynne, Collin, Sophia, Emma, and Vanelope; Roberta Ann and daughter, Ryleigh; Rita Irene Hutchcraft, children, Katie, Grace, and Jami, grandchildren, Daniel, Karly, Madeline, Ilena, and Kahliah; John Michael and Katie Rice, children, Bailee, Tanner, and Carter.

John is also survived by his children and their families from his previous marriage; Vincent Richard Rice, daughter Melissa; Lynda Leslie Rice, children Shane and Leclee; Serena Ann Rice-Karpel and husband Kyle, children Emily Riley, Mary Jane, and Elizabeth, grandchildren Olivia and Luna; Jennifer and Anthony Bates, children Rebecca, Christopher, and Ashely, grandchildren, Lilliana and Elijah.

John's surviving siblings and their families; Ada Rice (sister-in-law), Peggy and Dick Jeffreys, Judy and Patrick VanTuyl, Bill and Michelle Rice, Robert and Kathy Rice, Mary and Nick Serafini, Kevin and Judy Rice, James and Carol Rice; and many other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Daniel; his mother Margaret; and one brother, Daniel.

A memorial funeral service for Mr. John Robert Rice will be held on Monday August 8, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 400 West 4 ^th Street, Dixon, MO 65459, with visitation from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., with his memorial funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. in the church with Pastor Jack Caple officiating, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

A private family inurnment will be held at the Rice Family Farm. Honorary pallbearers for Mr. John Rice are Thomas Rice, John Rice, Kevin Rice, Tanner Rice, Carter Rice, and Dakota Libby.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. John Robert Rice are suggested by his family to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 495, Memphis, TN 38101-9801, envelopes will be available at the church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. John Robert Rice at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com