Merlin "M" W Rice

Merlin Warren Rice, known as “M”, passed away August 10, 2021 at the Residency Care Center in Scottsbluff after a long illness. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering with Rev. Seth Leypoldt officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard. A memorial can be sent to the Gering United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com

“M” was born in Smith Center, Kansas on December 15, 1929 to Warren and Elizabeth (Schnee) Rice. He attended school and then graduated from Chadron State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree to teach. He enlisted in the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge. He taught school at Chase County High School in Imperial, Nebraska for three years. He worked from the Atomic Energy Commission in Hot Springs, South Dakota for five years, and Great Western Sugar Company in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for three years.

“M” met the love of his life, Shirley Terhune, at the old Copper Kettle. Shirley was a performing clown and two weeks later he joined her. They were married July 25, 1965 and were soulmates. “M” along with Shirley and Shirley’s son, John Parmenter, were Ham Radio Operators and they participated in storm watching. “M” and Shirley were both active in the Elks Club. “M” especially enjoyed being a clown with Shirley and John. He also loved being Santa Claus handing out candy to all the children and even the adults.

“M” belonged to many organizations – Masons, Elks, AARL (American Radio Relay League), Hospital Auxiliary, life member of the Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering United Methodist Church, American Legion, the Red Cross, Tri-City Radio Club, Great Plains Repeater Association and Amateur Extra Class (both in reference to Ham Radio), and the High Plains Radio Club.

“M” is survived by his sister Phyllis Hurworth; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joyce and Jack Alcock, three nieces, one nephew, several cousins, and friends.

“M” was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother-in-law Bob Hurworth, and his son John Parmenter.