Edgar Lee Rice, Jr.

Edgar (Ed) Lee Rice, Jr., was born on July 16, 1935, to Ed C. Rice and Leona Schildt Rice. He died peacefully at home on December 25, 2019. Born and raised in Wellington, CO, he was valedictorian of Wellington High School class of 1953, and captained two state championship teams. Ed married his high school sweetheart, Janice Reckard, December 26, 1954, while on leave from the Army. Ed passed one day before their 65th anniversary. When his military service was complete, Ed pursued higher education at CSU. He earned a B.A. in Education and a M.E. in Education/Administration. His teaching career commenced in Minatare, Nebraska. Returning home to Colorado, he began a 32-year career serving the students and families in Poudre School District. His tenure included positions at the former LaPorte High School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High School, and Wellington Jr. High. He was named principal of Poudre High in 1986, retiring in 1992. Ed’s many years of service as a teacher, coach, mentor, and administrator were recognized when he was given the honor of having a school named for him. Rice Elementary opened in Wellington, CO, in 2007. In addition to his family and professional contributions, Ed found time to be involved in other community service. Over the years he held membership in the following organizations: LaPorte Presbyterian Church, Golden K Kiwanis and Lions’ Clubs, Poudre and Colorado Education Associations, Larimer County Democratic Party, and the Wellington Alumni Association. Always active as a coach, he was one of the founders of Fort Collins Youth Baseball. Ed was the heart of a large and loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his 4-year-old son, Gary, and his grandson, Tyson. Survivors include his beloved wife, Janice, four children, Larry (Diane), Sherry (Ernie Anthony) of Greeley, CO, Terri, and Kerry (Cindy Cushman) of Louisville, KY. Also surviving him are his siblings Jerry Rice (Carol), and Patricia Rice Noffke (Pete) of Menasha, WI. Survivors also include 10 grandchildren: Bryson (Johnna), Brent, Austin, Beau (Katie), Alyson (Dante Conti), Grace, Natalie, Chelsea, Joshua, and Isaiah, as well as, 6 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to invite you to a 10:00 AM visitation, 11:00 AM memorial service, with lunch to follow, Saturday, January 4, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church, 531 College Ave., Fort Collins, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ed’s favorite charities would be appreciated: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, or LaPorte Presbyterian Church, LaPorte, CO.

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Edgar Lee Rice, Jr.

July 16, 1935 - December 25, 2019