Vernon Rice

Vernon Tracy Rice

July 9, 1926 - July 6, 2017

Vernon Tracy Rice passed away on July 6, 2017 just 3 days shy of his 91st birthday.

He was born in Willard, Utah, the son of Frederick P. and Sarah Lettie Tracy Rice on July 9, 1926. He was raised in Ogden. He graduated from Weber High School in 1944. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served two years on a troop transport ship. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean 14 times, hauling troops to various countries and bringing home troops that had been injured or needed rest. After an honorable release, he attended Weber State University, studying architectural drawing.

He worked at Hill Air Force Base for 35 years in the wood mill pattern shop. He retired as the foreman. Vernon married his sweetheart, Evelene Hansen, on April 14, 1950, in the Logan LDS Temple. He was an active member of the LDS church and served in many callings, including positions in the bishopric, as Ward Executive Secretary, and also as Elder's Quorum President. He had a great love for the youth, and spent many years serving in the scouting program. He and his wife, Evelene, served two missions for the LDS Church (Rochester, New York, and St. George, Utah).

Vernon enjoyed softball, volleyball, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and gardening. He had an exceptional love of classical music. He also spent time traveling with his wife, visiting many countries around the world. In his later years, he loved being surrounded by children- especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved serving others. He constructed many homes for his own family, extended family, and others in the community, using his drafting and woodworking talents.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Evelene, South Ogden: children, Cheryl Rice (Lee) Jacobson, Salem, OR; Tracy Paul (Jean) Rice, South Ogden; Dianne Rice (Reed) Zaugg, Lewiston, UT; Brenda Kay Rice (Dave) Willie, Carlsbad, CA; 16 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and sisters, Mildred Thompson, Charlann Mead, Bonnie (Kent) Higley and Roselene (David) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers: Mason, Austin, Ivan and George Rice, and sister Joy Wold Harrison. He was also preceded in death by his half-brother LaVoy, and half-sister Adele.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.