Stephen Rice

Stephen Rice Web Obituary – Stephen Ellis Rice Stephen E. Rice, 98, went to be with his Lord Jesus on November 16, 2017, at his home in Eugene, Oregon, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 21, 1919, in Springfield, Oregon, to Melzar and Elizabeth Mabey Rice. He graduated from Springfield High School, then attended the University of Oregon until moving to Seattle to work for Boeing as a radio assembler for B-17's. In October of 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force. After completing flight training, he married Elizabeth Ellis on November 20, 1943. He was then stationed in England, where he piloted B-17 bombers from 1944 to 1945, flying 35 missions over Germany. He received the Five Oak Leaf medal for 150 hours flight over enemy territory. Crew members wanted to fly with Steve because he always came back without losing a man. Steve's wife and mother prayed Psalm 91 every night while he was overseas. PSALM 91 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. ? Psalm 91:1-2, 4-7 (KJV) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. - Psalm 19:14-16 (KJV) Steve farmed 40 acres on Maple Drive off River Road from 1946 to 1949 and then worked for Pete Simmons doing carpentry. Later he worked as a contractor, building and remodeling homes in the Willamette Valley area. He also worked for the City of Eugene as a building inspector and in the facilities division. He and Elizabeth have four sons: Philip, Wayne, Mark, and Gary. The family was active in church life, attending First Baptist Church in Eugene and later Bethel Danebo Baptist Church, where Steve was the music director and the youth director. His construction skills were put to good use on the church addition. Music was an important part of Steve's life. He loved to sing in men's quartets, starting in high school and continuing for many years. He enjoyed directing the King's Koraleers men's chorus, traveling to churches all around Oregon. Some of Steve's favorite pastimes were camping, backpacking, and fishing at Odell and Diamond Lakes. He was happiest when working on a building or remodeling project. He was a regular at Jerry's Home Improvement on Highway 99. After retirement he continued to use his construction expertise to benefit Christian ministries, such as remodeling a missionary guest house in Manila, Philippines, and upgrading the World View Center in Portland, Oregon. Steve logged many volunteer hours with the work crew at Camp Harlow youth camp, where one of his favorite projects was the covered wagon cabins. He also helped create the camp's new Zip Line and was the first person to test it out—at age 90. He was always glad to lend a hand to others. He was a true servant. Stephen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and sons, Philip (Marvalee), Wayne (Marilyn), Mark (Jennie), Gary (Kathy), eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and niece, Linda Eisele. He was preceded in death by his sister, Miriam Erickson. A celebration of Steve's life will be held Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 1375 Irving Road, Eugene, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen's name to Camp Harlow (First Baptist Church, 3550 Fox Meadow Road, Eugene, OR 97408) or Westside Baptist Church's Gym Project (1375 Irving Road, Eugene, OR 97404). Our wonderful Steve was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We look forward to spending eternity with him in our heavenly home!