Karl Rice

KARL RICE Karl Rice, 89, Fayetteville, AR (formerly of Moberly, Mo.), passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Cecy Taylor Rice, his sister, Barbara, and husband Doug Prichard, Fayetteville, AR, and many cherished nephews and nieces. Karl received a bachelor's degree in music from Bethany College, Kansas, and a master's degree from Fort Hays State, Kansas. He also attended the University of Missouri where he met his future wife, Cecy Taylor. Karl and Cecy spent their first 16 years in St. Louis County where Karl was a counselor in the PARKWAY School District. They later moved to Moberly, MO, Cecy's hometown. In Moberly, Karl became a real estate appraiser and an active community contributor. He and Cecy engaged in a long-term interest in family history and genealogy. Together they established and nurtured the Randolph County Historical Society, with a particular interest in the influence of Moberly in the U.S. Westward expansion. Karl acquired a building for the Society and together they collected historical artifacts and posted the history of the county. He served as president of the Randolph County Historical Society for 20 years. Karl and Cecy loved flower and plant gardening and opened their garden to the community for many years. His recreational pursuits included dove & pheasant hunting in western Kansas with his dad; fly fishing in the streams of southern Missouri and golfing with his dad and Moberly friends. He was active in improving and maintaining the Moberly Country Club. Other community contributions included being: Deacon and Elder of the Coates St. Presbyterian Church, President of Moberly Country Club, and President of Moberly Rotary Club. A memorial service will be held at Butterfield Trail Village Performance Hall, Fayetteville, AR on July 11 that 1:30 pm. Memorials may be made to Randolph County Historical Society, Moberly, MO; or to Butterfield Trail Village Foundation, 1923 E. Joyce Blvd Fayetteville, AR 72703 To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com