Robert Rice, 75, of St. Clair passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at his home.

Mr. Rice, son of the late Robert Rice and wife Ruth Ann nee Fox was born July, 13, 1933 Sullivan, Missouri.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a decorated soldier and received an honorable discharge.

On May 18, 1963 he was united in marriage to Cheacketa Jones in Union, Missouri.

Mr. Rice is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth Ann Rice; his wife, Cheacketa "Tee" Rice; one brother, Herby Rice; one infant sister, Thelma Rice.

He is survived by three sons, Robert L. Rice and fiancé Jeannie Eckstein of Union, Paul Rice and wife Dawn of St. Clair and Glen Rice of St. Clair; four brothers, David Rice and wife Maxine of St. Clair, Iris Rice and wife Sally of Park Hills, Tom Rice Sr. of St. Clair and Ralph Rice and special friend Connie Graves of Marble Hill, MO; one brother-in-law, Martin Jones of St. Clair; three sisters-in-law, Mary Oswalt of St. Clair, Pauline Taylor of St. Clair and April Eads of Cuba; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.