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Mark T. Rice

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Indiana University

Mark Rice Obituary

MOUNT VERNON - Dr. Mark T. Rice, 55, of Mt. Vernon, died Sunday, March 11, 2007 at his home. Mark was born March 6, 1952 in South Bend, IN son of John and Elaine (Trahms) Rice. He graduated from Indiana University with a BS, MS, and Ph.D. and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. Mark was an employee of the Metropolitan School District of Mount Vernon and had been principal at Farmersville Elementary School since 1981. He had been a member of the Mount Vernon Kiwanis, Toastmasters, Hoopsters and Western Hills Country Club.

Mark had coached many little league teams as well as league basketball teams. He loved golf, jogging, movies, television series' and blackjack at Casino Aztar.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Katie Rice of Evansville; son, Matthew Rice of Mount Vernon; his grandson, Jackson Rice of Evansville; the mother of his children, Susan Rice of Mount Vernon; brothers, Chris Rice of Seattle, Washington, and David Rice of Mishawaka, Ind.; sisters, Robin Molina of Puebla, Mexico, and Laurie Wyllie Rice of Oak Park, Ill.

There will be public visitation Friday, March 16, 2007, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Austin Funeral Home, 1330 East Fourth Street, Mount Vernon, Ind. Funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to Farmersville Elementary School. Condolences can be made online at www.austinfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Mar. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Rice

48 Entries

Bob Scholten

June 9, 2024

I still miss Mark after all these years. He was my best friend in South Bend - when we were taking classes at IUSB. Heavy, thought provoking, reflective talks with Mark that still stay with me. A remarkable teacher - a gift actually - for so many students.

Ned Shaw

June 17, 2020

Not sure who will see this so long after my friend has passed on to whats next...But Mark was part of a tight knit group of dorm friends, and briefly lived off campus with me. I am truly saddened to read this, and always thought Id see him again and laugh at the adventures we shared. I loved his wry wit, arched eyebrow, and wise counsel. My picture (which I no longer resemble) is very akin to what Mark looked like when I knew him... his hair was the longest! But he always had his head on straight!

Leslie SINGER

March 19, 2007

To Katie, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Although we've never met, you are a friend of mine. you will get through this tough time and He will continue to look down on you and Jackson.

April & Nicole Jackson

March 19, 2007

God bless you all in this time of need. I hope these verses can give you some strength and comfort to help to ease the pain.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:16

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Jer 32:17

Sue Boutni

March 18, 2007

Dear Susan,
I am so very sorry to hear this news! I remember Dr. Rice fondly even though our family has been gone from Mt. Vernon since 1991. Laura and I visited Farmersville Elementary in 1997 and Dr. Rice remembered us. I remember seeing you and Mark together at church the same weekend. I just recently came across a souvenir with "lunch with Doc" written on it and I remember the kids being excited about that lunch way back then!

Please know that you have my deepest sympathy. I wish I were closer so I could give you a hug. I pray that the Lord comforts you and your family in this time of grief and in the future. "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7
With Love, Sue Boutni

Michael Fink

March 17, 2007

Doc was a special person who touched everyone who met him. I will always remember him as a positive source of encouragement in my life whether it was in athletics or academics or just in life he always had a few words of support for me growing up and he was a great neighbor. My deepest sympathies go out to Matt, Katie and Susan, Doc will be sorely missed by all.

Jennifer Genet

March 16, 2007

I didn't Know Dr. Rice very well but I do know that he made a huge impact on so many lives. He Will me missed and loved forever! My Deepest hopes and prayers go out to his family!

Jessica Wade

March 15, 2007

I did my student teaching under Dr. Rice. He was always an encouraging educator. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Joanne Jennings

March 15, 2007

Susan, Katie, Matt and Jackson,
We are so very sorry to hear about Mark. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Joanne Jennings, Evelyn Laba and Jeanie Laba

Brooke Tabor

March 15, 2007

As has been said so many times in this Guest Book, there are no words to describe the sympathy I have for you and your family. Reading through all of these entries makes me realize the huge impact Doc had on Mt. Vernon. Like so many others, I loved playing kickball with him at recess during my 6 years at Farmersville. He was one of the most respected men in Mt. Vernon and we will all miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

Rachel Wood

March 15, 2007

Susan, Katie, and Matt,

Doc made such an impact on everyone that he came into contact with. Everyone that went to Farmersville has fond memories of kickball games at recess and "Lunch with Doc". We may not remember all the lessons from class, but we remember the time Doc took out of his busy schedule to show us how important we were. If he was at a basketball game or around town, he was never too busy to stop and find out what was going on in life. He will be missed by all that knew him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen you and wrap His arms of comfort around you.

Love,
Rachel Wood

Alicia (Vierling) Storm

March 15, 2007

To me, Dr. Rice was one of the icons, along with Mrs. Uhde, of Farmersville Elementary. He always had comforting words and a smile for each student. In my current role of assistant principal at an elementary school, I often reflect upon things that Doc Rice did to make the school a more enjoyable place for learning. Dr. Rice was instrumental in making Farmersville a wonderful learning community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this knowingly difficult time.

J. Lisanby

March 15, 2007

I will never forget the kickball games. You made recess fun! Thanks Doc. May your journey be grand.

Lou Ann Biggs

March 15, 2007

I love you Susan, and my prayers are with you and your family. God speed your peace and comfort. Love, Lou Ann

Krystle Anderson(Mercer)

March 15, 2007

I really enjoyed having Doc as a principal. One of the main things I remember about grade school was "Lunch with Doc"(it was such a honor to get to eat with him). He was a great principal and person. I am sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.

sarah

March 15, 2007

Katie, Matthew,I know hearing the same words over and over again aren't helping but, there are just not any words in the dictionary to explain how broken hearted we all are for you and your family. "Doc" was a fantastic guy as you already know ,he shared it with the whole world. Gods strengh be with you and your family.

Ryan & Jennifer Richards

March 15, 2007

Dear Kate, Matt, Jackson & Susan:

I was very sad to hear of Mark's passing. Even though it has been many years since I have visited with you when I was young, I do remember Mark very well. We will be praying that you have the 'peace that surpasses all understanding' during this unfortunate event.

Sincerely,

Bryan Richards

March 14, 2007

Dear Susan, Kate, and Matt:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love the Richards family

Mela Richards

March 14, 2007

Dear Kate, Matt, Jackson & Susan
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love Bob & Mela

David and Ruth Ries

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie, Matt
I was so sorry to hear about "Doc" Rice. He will be greatly miss by our Grandchildren and all the children of Farmerville.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family.

Tina Hunt

March 14, 2007

To the family of Dr. Rice
I appreciate all the time he spent with my children. He was wonderful with the kids at Farmersville. Our prayers are with your family.

Brian,Tina,Brian,Cameron, Aaron
and Daylinn Hunt

Tracy hardy, Rachel & Adam Pool

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie and Matt

My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. One of my fond memories of Doc Rice go back to the birthdays of his daughter Katie and my oldest son Justin, Doc will be missed by this whole community. He had an influence on alot of little people.

Ashley Knight

March 14, 2007

Dr. Rice was one of the greatest people i knew. he listen when no one else would. he had a special bond with every kid in that school. I was fortunate enough to send all of my 6 years there with him. Collin my brother is in 5th grade and misses him more than anyone will ever know. everyone in mt.vernon is keeping you & your family in our thoughts and prays. we miss you greatly & will continue to miss you. no one will ever replace you.

Melissa King (Appleby)

March 14, 2007

This was such sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will always remember him playing kickball out of recess with the kids at Farmersville.

Lauren Guido

March 14, 2007

I don't think any of the kids that went to Farmersville could have asked for a better Principal. Dr.Rice made Farmersville what it was. No one will ever replace him,as a principal or in our hearts.... He truly was the best principal. I always looked forward to having "lunch with doc." And i know that the highlight of every fifth graders morning was to play basketball with him. He was such a rolemodel to all of us and not only did he inspire us to do our best, he never lost faith in us...
We miss you "Doc".

I am so sorry for your loss...

Ara Rainey

March 14, 2007

It is difficult to think of someone who touched more lives than Dr. Rice. For what seems like generations he was a great role model and mentor for the many children that passed through the doors of Famersville. He will be greatly missed by many. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Ashley Ford

March 14, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ashley Ford and Hilary Ford Thomas

Brittney (Aldrich) Minton

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie, Matt, and Jackson-
I am so sorry about your loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers.

Britney Minton

Shane Horacek

March 14, 2007

It is hard to believe a man that has touched so many lives is not with us anymore. Mark Rice(Doc) was a good man with a gentle spirit and I can honestly say my life is better from knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Mary Radle

March 14, 2007

Dear Susan, Katie, and Matt,
I was so sorry to hear about Mark's death. He was so devoted to providing a positive learning environment for the children of Mount Vernon and will be greatly missed.

Your grief is unimaginable and words seem so inadequate but I wanted you to know that you have all been in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,

Lisa (Jennings) Saxon

March 14, 2007

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.

Rodney Horacek

March 14, 2007

My prayers are with you.

Jason Allen

March 14, 2007

I will never forget the Doc. He played a large role in the younger years of my life. My prayers and thoughts to his Family.......

Jane Moss

March 14, 2007

Susan, Matt, and Katie:
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you during this difficult time.

Jessica Smiley

March 14, 2007

My prayers are with each of you as you go through this difficult time. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Rachael (Redman) Hathaway

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie, Matt and Jackson-
So sorry to hear about your loss, you are all in our prayers.
Greg, Rachael and Grant Hathaway

Danielle Henderson

March 14, 2007

Dear Susan, Katie, Matt, & Jackson,
We know all too well what it is like to try to live a life without a Dad that was such a big part of who you are. You are blessed to have your loving mother, family, faith, and that sweet baby will get you through this more than you know. You are in our prayers.
Danielle, Jason, Delayne, & Dru

Brian and Cherish Duckworth

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie and Matt.

May God be with you during this time. My kids always loved having "Lunch with Doc". He always made the kids feel special. He had a big impact on so many lives and the communitee. He will be missed by all.

Erin Hollinger

March 14, 2007

Dear family-
I wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your loss. It was Dr. Rice's first year at Farmersville the same year I started Kindergarten and I spent 7 wonderful years there with him and learned so much. My daughter Riley attends Farmersville now and she talks of him daily. There are no words to express my sympathy, my family mourns as well as he impacted me and my daughter deeply. You will all be in our prayers daily.
Love, Erin (Erwin) Hollinger and daughter Riley

Gene McCoy

March 14, 2007

Sorry to hear of your loss.
Gene and Barbara McCoy

J & B Symanski

March 14, 2007

To the Rice Family ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Our son had the pleasure of attending Kindergarten at Farmersville, and Dr. Rice came in the first day and said a special hello to Nick. He will always have fond memories of going to school there. He also called Dr. Rice "Farmer Bill" when he first met him. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. The Symanski Family ~ Jason, Brandi, Nick, Brandon and Emily.

Cristi, Kerry, and Kassidy Wolfe

March 14, 2007

My daughter Kassidy attended Farmersville and had the great opportunity to have "Lunch with Doc" several times during her years there. Though she is now in the 7th grade, she was quite shocked to hear of Doc's passing, as were we all. He was a very understanding, gentle man, whom the kids loved dearly. He will be sorely missed by not just his biological family and his Farmersville family, but also by the community as a whole. You are all in our thoughts and we pray that time will help you through this.

Elizabeth Uhde

March 14, 2007

To Mark Rice Loved Ones,
I worked with him for 15 years and he was a great educator and boss. The school children will miss him, as he was the one that the children looked forward to seeing at lunch, when he would play kick ball and basketball with them, and also his "Lunch with Doc", was the student highlight of the year. So many wonderful memories that I will cherish. His love for education will be instilled on all of the children that went to Farmersville. Words are inadequate at a time like this, but you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Doris Perkins-Goodman

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie and Matt,
My thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. Your family means a lot to me. All my love.

The Ritzert Kids

March 14, 2007

We will miss you and we'll always remember our great kickball games at recess.

Carol Meyers

March 14, 2007

Susan, Katie and Matt, Greg and I were so very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Rice. We want to extend to you our deepest sympathy. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Meyers family, Greg, Carol, Aaron, Adam, Gabe & Gretchen.

Phillip Denning

March 14, 2007

My prayers are with you. Mark was a special person, my son (Austin)loved him and was always eager to share the latest "Doc" story when he got home from school. I know only time will heal your sorrow, may God Bless and Comfort You during this difficult time.

sheila stewart

March 14, 2007

To the Family of Dr. Mark Rice,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss of Mark. He was a wonderful person and a educator who love his school and the children. I got to know Mark while working on the committees for the remodeling of Farmersville and West. He put his whole heart into the project for the kids. He told me he just wanted a safe , clean and comfortable school for his kids. He worked hard to realize that dream and its soon to be a reality with his help and devotion.
He had a wonderful sense of humor with a smile to match. He will be missed by many.I'm proud to call him my friend. Blessings to all of you and may God comfort you in these trying times ahead. Always remember God is their for you. My prayers for Mark for a safe journey home to our Lord.

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