Melvin A Rice

Melvin A. Rice passed away in the arms of his family on Saturday, May 27, 2017, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Missoula on Aug. 16, 1927, to John Spencer Rice and Verna McCall Rice. He attended Willard Grade School and Missoula County High School, until joining the U.S. Navy in 1945, during his junior year. He was a self-taught drummer who never read music but had outstanding rhythm. Mel joined the naval band while stationed on the USS Alabama. He met his future wife, Charlotte Lewis, while playing with the Alabama Dance Band at the Army-Navy Y in Long Beach, California. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Missoula, serving in the Naval Reserve for eight years.

In 1948, Mel began his 41 year railroad career with the Northern Pacific Railroad. He continued his railroad career working for Burlington Northern, Santa Fe, and finished his career retiring from Montana Rail Link in 1989.

After a long distance relationship, Mel and Charlotte were married on Jan. 9, 1949, in Long Beach, California. They settled in Missoula where they raised their four children: Charmel, Mel, Debra and Mark.

With his passion for drumming and jazz he played in many Missoula dance bands. Later with fellow musician and life-long friend, Fred Nelson, they formed the very popular 10 member dance band "Moon Moods". He continued his passion and enjoyed playing drums for many years at social dances in western Montana. When Mel wasn’t in the band playing he and Charlotte enjoyed swing dancing and were long time members of the Rattled Squares.

Mel's faith was a very important part of his life. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Missoula for 58 years. During that time he served as an elder and choir member for over 30 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Orchard Homes Country Life Club and served as president and activities coordinator at various times. He was extremely generous with his time, coaching Mount Jumbo Little League for nine years, achieving numerous championships. Between other activities, he planned and built the family home where he lived with his wife, Charlotte, until his passing. He was a strong family man. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, sledding, cribbage, pinochle, and activities that included friends and family. After retiring, he and his wife traveled extensively worldwide.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Charmel Kay Reesor (1993); brothers, John Spencer and Donald LeRoy; niece, Wanda Renee, and niece, Donna Edmisten.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Charlotte; son, Mel (Sandy) Rice of Dillon; daughter, Debra (Beau) Bradley of Sheridan; son, Mark (Margaret ) Rice of Vancouver, Washington; son-in-law Steve Reesor of Lewistown; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and extended family.

Mel's service and celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Missoula. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Missoula, designated to the stained glass window fund, or charity of donor's choice. A reception will follow the services. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mel's version of his own obituary reads: "I was born; I lived; I died."