Lawrence “Larry” Rice, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
September 10, 1939 – December 7, 2016

Rice, Lawrence “Larry” 77, of Gilbert, AZ passed away on December 7, 2016. He was born in Chicago, IL to the late Gordon and Martha (Gudmundson) Rice.

He graduated from Sullivan High School and Illinois Institute of Technology. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force. He became a helicopter pilot, flew rescue missions in Vietnam, and then returned as a flight instructor. He received a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University.

After 23 years of service, he retired from the military, beginning his career as an analyst with Rockwell/Boeing.

He retired again to Arizona in 2000 to enjoy traveling, skiing, square/round dancing, volunteering, and other leisure activities.

Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara (Karl), three daughters, Joanne (John) Scheihing, Valerie (Richard) Swick and Sharon (Adrian) Zamora, five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, sisters, Shirley Copley and Linda (Allen) Weiss, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on February 24th at 10:30am.

The family suggests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix, AZ.

Published in The Arizona Republic on Dec. 18, 2016

~ GUEST BOOK ~

December 22, 2016
My condolences to you and your family, Valerie. He was a great guy. I enjoyed swapping helicopter flying stories with him the few times we met up. I remember dinner at the Grand Canyon in particular. A life well lived and daughters well raised. You’re all in my thoughts. Diana Stuart
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Diana Stuart, Morristown, Arizona

December 18, 2016
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Christine Dwyer, Elkhart, Indiana

December 18, 2016
We send our condolences to you, Barbara, and to your three daughters and extended family. Larry brought much joy to our days!
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Your Silver Creek Family