Leland Rice

There is now one less of the "Greatest Generation."

Leland "Dale" Rice, 94, Topeka, died Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Aldersgate Village.

Dale was born November 10, 1921 in Lebo, Kansas, son of Walter and Maude Thomason Rice. He attended Lebo schools for twelve years, graduating in 1939. Dale was a member of the first basketball team from Lebo to advance to the State Tournament in 1939.

Mr. Rice served as an Operations Officer in the United States Army Air Corps, Air Transport Command during World War II from 1942 to 1946.

He was employed by Gutting Motor Company in Topeka from 1948 to 1953. He was employed by Boyd Distributing Company in Denver, Colorado from 1956 to 1982 as Territory Sales Manager before he retired.

Dale was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church, served in church activities and volunteered at Doorstep for 17 years. He served as a volunteer for the American Bible Society. Through God's grace he was able to provide over 4000 bibles in Manhattan, at Doorstep, the Rescue Mission in Topeka and foreign missions for children.

Dale married Joan Collins in 1946. They later divorced. He married Alta S. Reed in 1952. She died in 2009. Survivors are many loving nieces and nephews and great and great-greats. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Susan; and a brother, Keith.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12th at the Lebo United Methodist Church, 201 W 4th St., Lebo, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at the Lincoln Cemetery in Lebo. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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