Thomas Allen Rice, USAF Msgt, retired, 41, died unexpectedly April 21, 2011 at Norman Regional Hospital. Tom was born March 27, 2970 in Cudahy, Wisconsin, the son of James Arthur Rice and Susan Renee (Moe) Rice Hague. Tom graduated from Farmington, New Mexico, class of 1988. He joined the US Air Force in 1989 and served our country for 21 years as an in flight refuel operator (boom operator) and air crew instructor for the KC-135 Stratotanker. He received many medals and awards during his various deployments.
Tom is survived by his wife of 9 years, Miranda (Aldridge) Rice and their daughter, Emma Jane, 6, of Blanchard, OK; son Austin Rice, 17, of Warner Robins, GA; father Jim Rice and wife Susan of Monroe, WA; mother Sue Hague and husband Perry of Melbourne, FL; 2 sisters Tammy Keck of Palm Bay, FL and Tracy Transue of Melbourne, FL; nephews Steven Rice, Thomas (TJ) Beattie, Domanick and Christopher Transue; and many friends who service with him for our country.
Tom was an organ donor and his gift will save many lives. “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7
