Stephen Wayne Rice: Chief Warrant Officer, US Army and Eagle Scout, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023 at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Stephen was born to Bert and Deanna (Swenson) Rice on April 29, 1961 at Fort Campbell, KY. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terri; father, Bert Rice, US Army Colonel; brother, Kevin Rice, US Army Captain; stepdaughter, Sara; and an extended family.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Stephen served, honorably and bravely, in the US Army 3rd Armored Division as an Apache pilot during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was a leader chosen by the men and women who both flew with him, and trusted him with their lives. His moniker among fellow Army aviators was “Riceman!”
Stephen’s military awards include the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He was awarded the Army Aviator Badge and the Army Crewman Badge.
Following military service, Stephen continued to fly helicopters while performing emergency medical service missions in Arizona and Nebraska. In the performance of these missions, he rescued and saved the lives of many people. He became highly proficient and thoroughly enjoyed flying helicopters. When not flying, Stephen enjoyed skiing and was an avid skateboarder!
Growing up in a military family, Stephen attended schools in Texas, Kansas, Montana, Wisconsin, California, and Maryland. He graduated from Arundel High School in Gambrills, Maryland and attended Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana for one year and then entered military service.
Stephen: son, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and patriot – will live on in the memories of those who loved him as a fun-loving and never-shy man who often was seen in brightly colored Patagonia and Vans, welcoming even the slightest friend to the family as if they were blood.
No substitute will ever be found for the love and service Stephen gave to his country and family. Stephen will be welcomed home and embraced first and foremost by his awaiting mother, Deanna Rice.
A Memorial Service to honor Stephen’s life will be held with family and friends on June 15 in Billings, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in Stephen’s honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Ollinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home, Castle Rock, CO.
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