Merald Rice

Merald D. Rice, 79, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born October 19, 1932, in the state of Kansas, a son of the late Les and Marie (Hollenbeck) Rice. He was a graduate of Lowry City High School in Lowry City. On April 8, 1981, he was united in marriage to Joann (Medlock) Craft, who survives at their home. Merald was a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad for many years until his retirement. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2693, the Elks Lodge in Jefferson City, and attended Liberty Road Baptist Church with his wife Joann. In his younger days, Merald enjoyed fishing, riding mountain bikes, riding his scooter, and bowling. Including his wife Joann, Merald is also survived by a son: Bob Rice (wife Paula) of Kansas City; three step-children: Paul Craft (wife Loretta) of Jefferson City, Trisha Gordon of Dixon, Chris Craft (wife Tracy) of Jefferson City; one brother: Marcus Rice of the state of Missouri; one granddaughter: Janice Kilroy (husband Jim); five step-grandchildren: Eric Craft, Ashley Abbotte, Jamie Abbotte, Nick Abbotte, Nicole Craft; and five step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter: Janice Elaine Rice. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a Fraternal Order of Eagles Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the Lowry City Cemetery in Lowry City. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com