Lorris C. "Larry" Rice

Lorris “Larry” Clark Rice was born at his family home on January 5, 1938 in Pickering, MO to Champ and Sylvia (Baldwin) Rice. He passed away peacefully at home in Ainsworth, NE surrounded by family on April 21, 2024. 

The youngest of four children, Larry grew up on a small farm north of Pickering. Larry’s sister, Shirley, recalled that he was born a broadcaster, doing “play-by-play” of his own basketball games in the yard. Larry officially began his broadcast career in 1956 doing local high school news under the guidance of his English teacher. Larry graduated from Pickering High School as valedictorian.  Larry worked as a part-time employee at KNIM Radio in Maryville, MO while attending Northwest Missouri State University.

In 1957, he auditioned for a position at KFEQ television station in St. Joseph, MO. His career in television included being a weatherman and part-time children’s segment as co-host, Cousin Elmo. He married Linda Keever on June 26, 1959. He then transitioned to a full-time radio position at KBKC in Kansas City. While working at KNIM, he met and worked with Gil Poese. In 1959, Gil invited Larry to join him to “make something of this place” as part-owner of a radio station, KBRX, in O’Neill, NE. In 1968, Larry moved his family to Ainsworth to start KBRB which began broadcasting on February 6th. They, along with other employees, went on to start other stations in Norton, KS and Gordon, NE.  Known for his love of sports, he committed hours of service to broadcasting local sports for community schools in the tri-county area. He also supported KLIN with stats of Husker football from the mid-1970’s to mid-1980’s. He was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993 and retired from broadcasting in 2009. 

Larry lived a life of service in the Ainsworth community through broadcasting community and athletic events. He was a member of the Ainsworth Lions Club and Elks Lodge #1790, and served a term as Mayor. He felt that service to his community and others is what made the world a better place. He was a listener, always curious about what others thought and wanted to tell their stories. He modeled this life by working with many in the community, including training many high school students in the radio business. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donnis Rice; sisters, Shirley Foster and Glenda McCleave; and a niece, Melanie McCleave. Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Linda Rice, of Ainsworth; four children, Natalie and husband, Neil Miles of Lincoln, NE, Eric and wife, Amy Rice of Gothenburg, NE, Lorinda and husband, Lonnie Connelly of Lincoln; and Kyle and wife, Mary Rice of Parkersburg, IA; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Doug and wife, Caroline Keever of Maryville, MO; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

 

Funeral Services were held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Lila McAndrew Gymnasium in Ainsworth, NE officiated by Pastor Charles Kieffer.  CD selections of “How Great Thou Art”, “Blessed Assurance” and “Old Rugged Cross” sung by Alan Jackson were played.  Obituary reading and personal memories were given by Rachel Rice and Caden Connelly.  Casketbearers were Caleb Rice, Kolbi Rice, Caden Connelly, Tyler Miles, Drew Miles and Lonnie Connelly.  Honorary Casketbearers were Dr. Jerry Ehlers, Dr. David Spann, Dr. Brad Williams, Doug Keever, Randy McCleave, Randy Brudigan and all of Larry’s other family and many friends.   Interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery in Ainsworth.  Memorials were suggested to the family in Larry’s name for future designation.  Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com