Herbert Eugene Rice

1929 - 2019

age 89, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Gratiot. Funeral Services for Herb will be held at First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Julie Greyerbiehl officiating. The family will greet friends on Friday, March 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8p.m. at Clark Family Funeral Chapel and at the church on Saturday, beginning one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will immediately at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery following the luncheon. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant VFW Post #3033 or First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and the church. Herb was born December 22, 1929, in Deerfield Township, on the Rice centennial farm where he resided most of his life. He was born to Lester and Lennie (Ball) Rice. He graduated with the class of 1948 from Sherman Township Rural Agriculture School in Weidman. Herb proudly served his country in the US Army in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. He married Janet Green on April 2, 1956, at the First United Methodist Church in Midland. Herb worked for Michigan Bell Telephone from 1955-1990, when he retired after 35 years. He loved his kids and grandkids, and he always took pride in showing them how to deer hunt. Herb was also a lifelong farmer; he enjoyed his old tractors and going to steam shows. He and Janet enjoyed square dancing and loved to play cards with friends and family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, where he was active in Missions and Men’s groups. Herb was active locally with Habitat for Humanity and helped build several homes, in addition He and Janet participated in a Jimmy Carter Build in the Philippines. Herb is survived by his wife, Janet Rice of Mt. Pleasant; son, Daniel Rice of Bay City, son, Stephen (Bonni) Rice of Sanford, and daughter, Joy Master of Mt. Pleasant; 4 grandchildren, Danielle, Alison, Rebecca, and Neil “Jacob”; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Herb was preceded in death by his parents; sister Phyllis Darling; half brother Leonard Ball; and half sisters Dorothy Pease and Lucille Lackie. You may view Herbert’s obituary online and send a condolence to the family at