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Steen Funeral Homes
Ashand Chapel

Ashland, Kentucky 41101
Phone: (606) 324-4128
Contact us with questions and comments
Web Site: http://www.steenfuneralhomes.com

Edwin Rice Click for Condolences      Printable Version
1925 - 2007

Hon. Edwin D. Rice - 1925-2007

Hon. Edwin D. Rice, 82, passed comfortably in his home June 15, 2007, following an extended illness under the outstanding care of Community Hospice. He was born Feb. 2, 1925, at his family home in West Van Lear, Ky., to Oscar and Prudence Rice.

A long time resident of Johnson and Lawrence counties, Judge Rice relocated to Ashland to practice law in 1962. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Stephenson Rice; a brother, Marvin Rice; and a sister, Edna Earle Mays.

He attended Morehead State College before the beginning of World War II and at the completion of his military service, graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law. As a young attorney in Lawrence County, Ky., he served in several city and county positions until he relocated to Ashland to practice. Judge Rice was elected to the newly formed District Court system in its first year of existence and served the Boyd County court for 21 years, acting as Chief Regional Judge for that duration, holding court in almost every county in the district during his tenure on the bench. Prior to his service to the Commonwealth, Judge Rice was a practicing attorney in the Ashland area and was influential in numerous civic and community events.

As owner of Buena-Vista farm in the 1970s, Judge and Mrs. Rice opened their home to youth from all over the area and exposed them to horses and horse care that led to many fine horsemanship careers for some. Hundreds of students, youth to adult, passed through the horsemanship program and have remained in contact with the family over the years.

Judge Rice was a member of the United States Army Air Corp. during World War II, taking training on the legendary Boeing B-17 bomber and was selected to serve as radio navigator on the highly classified Boeing B-29 Superfortress, which he flew until the end of the war in 1945. Although he and his crews did not see overseas service, they were selected to demonstrate the Superfortress to the public at air shows and other events to show the public how their war funds were being spent. While serving in the Air Corp., he was able to use some of his favorite talents as a musician, playing string bass and coronet with military units where he was stationed, as well as sessions with some of the great dance bands of the era. He remained an advocate of great music and was an avid flight enthusiast for the remainder of his days.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann S. Rice, who was survived by her sister, Jean Modlin, brother-in-law, Philip Modlin; and brother, William Paul Stephenson and his wife Sherry Stephenson.

He is survived by three children, Barbara Rice of Ashland, James E. Rice and his wife Dana and daughter Julianna of Lloyd, and Paul Rice and his wife Cathy and daughters Elizabeth and Mary of Grayson; cousins, Vicki Brightwell and Emeline Mayhew, both of Louisville, and Mrs. Evelyn Strobe of Columbus, Ohio; an aunt, Mrs. Ruth Meeks of Paintsville; and beloved friends, Joan and Anthony Arnett and family of Grayson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101, or the Kentucky Christian University School of Music, 100 Academic Parkway, Grayson, KY 41143.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland with Suffragen Bishop Elzy Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park with a military service to be performed by American Legion, Kenova Post No. 93.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to steenfuneralhomes.com.


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There are currently 6 condolences.


Eddie Stout
Tuesday June 19, 2007 at 12:22 PM

My condolence to the family of Judge Rice. He had done so much to start the District court in Boyd County. He was a good person and fair in court. He will be missed by many.
 
Christene See
Monday June 18, 2007 at 10:00 PM

Dear Members of Ed Rice Family, I was very sorry to hear about this death and I offer my conndolences to all of you. Ed had contacted me at Young Funeral Home at the time of my husband's death in January 2006 and I appreciated his thoughtfulness very much. I hadn't heard from him for a very long time, but have fond memories of long ago days when I worked for him and David Whites in their law office in Louisa.
 
Wm. H. Sewell, II
Sunday June 17, 2007 at 6:53 PM

Dear Jim and Rice family, It was with great sadness that I read of Ed's passing in today's Lexington Herald-Leader. Ed and I and others practiced law together in Ashland in the Kitchen Bldg in the 70's. I also had the pleasure of working In Judge Rice's Courtroom as Asst Boyd Co. Attorney from 1978 through the end of 1982. when I moved to Maysville. Judge Rice was a highly competent jurist and it was my honor to practice law in his courtroom. He treated defendants, litigants and lawyers alike with dignity and courtesy. I also valued Ed's service in WW II and we ahared the experience of being army veterans, albeit mine was in peacetime. I shall miss him a lot. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss and I pray that God will comfort and solace all of you during this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Bill Sewell
 
Judi and Joe Kenaston
Sunday June 17, 2007 at 5:49 PM

Barbie, Jim, and Paul - So sorry to learn of the death of Uncle Ed. You are in our thoughts and prayers today and we will be present at the funeral as we share in the remembrance of your father.
 
Jamie Baker Lavery
Sunday June 17, 2007 at 11:27 AM

Barb, My deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Mom just told me last week that Judge Rice was ill and was not doing well. I had hoped to make it home to see him, but just did not make it. I always enjoyed talking with him and have fond memories of the trips we had all taken together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
 
kemo.a.hall
Sunday June 17, 2007 at 11:01 AM

may god confort you his family.in your time of loss.he was a very kind nice man.it was my pleasure to have known him for ouiet a few years, kemo.a.hall--ashland.
 







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