Robert A. Rice

Robert (Bob) A. Age 90, passed away on August 1st at his home in rural Barton County. He was born on December 1, 1933, in Lamar, MO. Bob was the son of Denzil P. (Dink) and Willa (Billie) Long Rice. He graduated in 1951 from Liberal High School. He was a resident of Barton County. Bob started Rice's Feed Service in Golden City, Missouri in 1960. He was a Purina dealer all through the years, as well as being the number one mineral dealer in the United States for 10 years running. He formed Rice Land & Cattle in 1977, and opened Rice's Feed Service in Lamar in 1980, along with forging a long term relationship with the local Mennonite Community raising feeder pigs. In 1995, he and his wife, Judy, formed County Line Swine where they continued pork production. Together they created a partnership with Francis Forst where they formed Missouri Sow Center Inc. He continued his agriculture endeavors by feeding cattle in Western Kansas, as well as raising dairy heifers for clients from Ireland, which continues to this day. He was in the hog business up until this last year. His most recent project was building a 20,000 head laying hen facility for Vital Farms, which will be up and running this fall. 

Bob was always trying to make things better for Golden City. He was instrumental in helping start the Golden City Rural Fire Department in the early 1960's. He was so committed to this service that he continued to serve on that board for over 60 years. 

Two of the most important things in his life were his projects and his family. He continually thought up new business ideas and worked to make them a reality. When his sons were asked when they planned to retire they always responded, "Well, Dad is 90 and he hasn't retired yet." There was nothing more important to him than having a "big event" with everyone he loved in attendance. Everyone loved listening to Bob's stories as much as he enjoyed them. 

On May 9th, 1992, Bob and Judy were married on the farm where they currently reside. Bob is survived by: his wife, Judy, of the home; his sons, Allen and Vicky Rice of Golden City, MO, Steve and Tammy, of Scott City, KS, Rick and Ruth of Lamar, MO, and step-daughters, Kim Redlich of Nevada, MO, and Abby and Mike Brown of Nevada, MO; a brother Bill and Barbara Rice of Barstow, CA, a sister, Nancy Tohill of Union, MO; grandchildren Austin Rice, Cody Rice, Ciara Parker, Rebecca McKinnis, Nate Rice, Haely Rice, Callan Petty, Ronda Kreutzer, Tonya Rice, Derek Forst, Jonathan Forst, Bryce Applegate, Hadley Fletchall, Sam Brown, Caroline Olsen & Cooper Redlich; and twenty-one great grandchildren and his beloved dog, Mollie. 

He was preceeded in death by his daughter Melanie Moore and his parents. 

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 4th at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 5th at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Golden City Harvest Days or Brasher Cemetery, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.