Brian Rice

Brian Michael Rice, age 48, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Brian was born on October 9, 1977, in Jefferson City, the son of John August and Joyce Ann (Cassmeyer) Rice.
From an early age, Brian was blessed with remarkable athletic ability. Whether it was football, basketball, or even ping pong, he had a natural talent for competition. But where he truly excelled was on the baseball diamond. Brian grew up playing Babe Ruth Baseball and later for the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5, Junior team. As a shortstop and lead-off hitter, he was known for his smooth style of play and leadership on the field. He didn't just rely on his natural ability but much of his success came from countless hours of practice and dedication.
More than any wins, Brian cherished the lifelong friendships he built with his teammates. Those same bonds continued throughout his life, strengthened by years of playing adult softball, hunting, and sharing in the milestones and challenges of life together.
Brian was a proud 1996 graduate of Helias High School, where he earned All-State honors as a shortstop. He later attended Westminster College, continuing his love of the game by playing baseball for a season, and later attended Lincoln University.
Brian worked as a service technician with Art's Pest Control and had previously worked for Rehagen's Heating and Cooling for several years in Osage County. His coworkers and customers appreciated his strong work ethic, easygoing personality, and quick sense of humor. Brian was close with all his co-workers and considered them family.
An avid outdoorsman, Brian loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He found peace at deer camps in northern Missouri and Osage County, where some of his happiest moments were spent around a fire with friends. The same discipline and dedication he brought to sports carried into his passion for the outdoors. Whether scouting, practicing, or planning, Brian put his heart into every hunt. A proud member of the Boone & Crockett Club, Brian earned that recognition through a record-book buck that scored 182 2/8. He also loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with others, especially mentoring his friends' children on their first youth hunts.
Brian also had a deep commitment to health and fitness, often sharing workout tips and routines with his dad. He loved alternative rock music, his favorite band being 311, whose concerts he eagerly attended with his sister, Kelly. He also loved going on exciting adventures with friends and family, including memorable trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, antelope hunting in Wyoming, fishing in Canada, and taking great hikes through many of the state parks. One of his most legendary stories was attending Woodstock '99 with his buddies. Brian looked forward to slow nights as well, relaxing with good movies and shows, often sharing the same favorites as Kelly.
Brian will be remembered for his big heart, loyalty to others, and magnetic energy. He had a smile as bright as the sun and a way of making everyone feel important and seen. Brian was incredibly thoughtful - he never missed a birthday text, a word of encouragement, or a note during life's milestones for his family and friends. If Brian was in the room, there was laughter, positivity, and good times by all.
He is survived by his father, John Rice (Debbie) of Jefferson City; loving sister, Kelly Schneider (Chris) of Jefferson City; stepbrothers, Bradley Gaines (Kristeena) of Fort Benning, Georgia, and Michael Gaines of Great Falls, Montana; and several beloved nieces and nephews, Nolan and Olivia Schneider, Melody and Hunter Gaines, and Mason and Kinsley Gaines. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Viola Cassmeyer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.
Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Ann Rice Strong on July 15, 2010; paternal grandparents, Vest "Babe" and Gertrude "Gertie" Rice; and maternal grandfather, Loyd Cassmeyer.
A visitation honoring Brian's life will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025. A brief service to conclude the visitation will be held at 6:00 pm. in the Freeman Chapel.
Private graveside services and inurnment will be held at the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Helias Catholic High School to be used to help fund the new baseball complex, 1305 Swifts Highway Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.