Lyle M. Rice

Lyle M. (L.M.) Rice, 69, of Diamondhead, MS passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020, at the Biloxi VA Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi. He was born September 29, 1950, in Mexico, MO the third of 4 children to Marvin E. and Una Belle (Hogan) Rice. L.M. graduated from Mexico High School in 1968. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master of Science degree in Public Service and Safety, both from Central Missouri State University. In 1970, L.M. enlisted in the United State Air Force. Originally stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Lackland, TX, he transferred to Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, MO. He was then deployed to Pleiku, Vietnam from April 1971 to March 1972. He served in the 351 Security Police Squadron and was the QRT team leader- being one of the first 4 soldiers to immediately respond in the M113 armored vehicle when the base came under attack. While there, he cared for his monkey, Herbie, and along with a fellow soldier and life-long friend, Jim Rogers, he ran a beer, soda, and ice cream business. During an attack, L.M.’s back was severely injured, and he returned to Whiteman AFB to recover. He received an honorable discharge from the USAF in August 1973. In 2009 it was discovered that he had developed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Viet Nam. On May 27, 1989, LM married Karen Hester Womack, originally from Gulfport, MS, blending their families with 4 children. In 2005, L.M. moved to Diamondhead, MS, to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. It was while in MS, LM learned of his leukemia that eventually limited his ability to continue in construction, so he dedicated his time to helping neighbors, was an Elder and served on various committees at Diamondhead Community Church, was a life-member of the VFW, rode with the Patriot Guard Riders, and advocated for veterans. L.M. also enjoyed building things and working on any kind of machinery he could get his hands on! While living in South Mississippi, LM fell in love with all things Mardi Gras. He reigned as King and was presently serving as President of the Krewe of Diamondhead. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Karen, of the home; two children: Candice Snyder (Aric), of Sedalia, and Mitch Rice (Jennifer) of Oakland, IA; two stepsons: Michael Womack (Heidi), and Jason Womack (Tarah) both of Los Angeles, CA; ten grandchildren: Hayleigh Snyder, Alice Snyder, Aric Snyder III, Laney Rice, Maebry Rice, Macklen Rice, Charlie Womack, Dixon Womack, Niko Womack and River Womack. He is also survived by a sister, Betty Hall (Jim); a brother, Elwood Rice (Liz); a brother-in-law, Ellis Glasgow; a cousin (more like a brother), Melvin Rice (Pat), and many nieces and nephews. L.M. was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy Glasgow. A Celebration of Life in Diamondhead, MS will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 10:30am at Diamondhead Community Church (5301 Diamondhead Circle, Diamondhead, MS). A Celebration of Life in Mexico, MO will be held on Sunday, February 9 at the Presbyterian Church (400 Lakeview Rd, Mexico, MO 65265). The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 followed by a short service. Interment will be held at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery (20109 Bus, MO-13, Higginsville, MO 64037) on Monday, February 10th at 10:00 a.m. with full military honors. Special thanks to the Doctors and Staff at the Veteran’s Hospital in Biloxi, MS for their love and care these past 10 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars. https://heroes.vfw.org/page/21776/donate/1 https://www.vfw.org/foundation Veterans of Foreign Wars 406 W. 34th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64111 Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.