Dwight Elwin Rice, Jr.

Funeral services for Dwight Elwin Rice, Jr. will be held Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10:00 am in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Tommy McDaniel officiating. Burial will conclude in the Lincoln Cemetery in Lebo, Kansas at 4:00 pm with Pastor John Clayton officiating under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Dwight was born May 1, 1958 in Strong City, Kansas the son of Dwight Elwin, Sr. and Blanche Ellen (Julian) Rice. As a young man Dwight grew up in Wellington, Kansas where he graduated in 1976. Dwight was active in Tennis and attended Bethany College on a scholarship. Dwight finished his education and accepted employment with Santa Fe Railroad as an electrician. Mr. Rice continued to work there until the closure of the facility. Dwight then gained employment with the City of Wellington in the electric department. In 1993, Dwight moved to Loveland, Colorado. During this time he met a strong and beautiful woman that was there for him until the end Paula. While residing in Loveland he worked for Railroad Locomotive Company and lastly for Willies Transportation as a truck driver. In 2000, Dwight moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma and accepted a position with Alliance Transportation where he has continued to work. On September 27, 2003, Dwight was united in marriage to Paula Jenene (Nanna), at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Dwight enjoyed restoring antique radios, car restoration, woodworking and stain glass; however he never hesitated to help out a friend or neighbor.

After blessing us for 49 years 7 months and 19 days Dwight Rice surrendered his soul for an eternal blessing Thursday, December 20, 2007 at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his brother James Wilson Rice.

Survived by his wife, Paula of the home; children, Dwight Lyman Rice of Alaska; Racheal Marie Rice of Alaska; mother and step father, Blanche and Gary Gasper of Wellington, Kansas; father, Dwight E. Rice, Sr. of Costa Mesa, California; three brothers, Gerald Julian Cassel of Wellington, Kansas; Raymond Anthony Cassel of Winfield, Kansas; Joseph Ernest Rice of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Kerstie Ishea Marie Hofmeyer, Hailey Ashlyn Rice as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Shelton, Perry Fisher, Roger Foster, Brian Lensing, Randy Redford, Mark Tibbs, and Jerry Cassel.