Kenneth E. “Doc” Rice

Greensburg – Kenneth E. “Doc” Rice, 93, passed away on November 7, 2014, in Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg, Kansas. He was born December 30, 1920, in Center Township, rural Kiowa County, the son of Walter Elmer and Leuella (Einsel) Rice. He attended Greensburg schools, graduating as the Valedictorian of the GHS class of 1939. In high school, Doc was a member of the National Honor Society and earned letters in track, football, band, and scholarship. He was also an accomplished musician, playing the piano and the French horn and earning excellent ratings at area and state contests with both instruments. Kenneth later graduated from Kansas State University in 1947 with B.S. degrees in Business Administration and Electrical Engineering. At KSU, he was involved in two engineering-related fraternities, Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau and the Beta Kappa Chapter of Eta Kappa Nu. Additionally, he was a member and lifelong supporter of the Alpha Omega Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at K-State. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a bomber Pilot/Navigator, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. A lifetime resident of Kiowa County, “Doc” was a farmer and stockman. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW, the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge, all of Greensburg, and the Midian Shrine Lodge, Wichita, Kansas. Kenneth is survived by a sister-in-law, Shirley Rice, Minneola, Kansas, four nieces, one nephew, and longtime friend and caregiver, Dee Jay McMurry, Greensburg. He was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Rice, and a sister, Vivian Elliott. Memorial graveside service and celebration of Kenneth’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg, with Pastor Terry Mayhew officiating. Friends may visit the family from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday at Fleener Funeral Home, Greensburg. Memorials are suggested to the Twilight Theatre in care of Fleener Funeral Home, 514 S. Main St., Greensburg, KS, 67054.