Kevin Ira Rice

Kevin Ira Rice, beloved husband, stepfather, and soldier, passed away on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. Kevin was born July 6,1983 in Cottage Grove, Oregon, he was the youngest child to Odell and Deanna Rice. He earned his Eagle Scout award at age 16 and enjoyed outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, camping and fishing. He graduated from Malad High School and Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in arts and social science. Kevin served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Comayaguela, Honduras and became fluent in Spanish. Kevin served in many church callings demonstrating a strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In 2001, Kevin enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard, immediately following high school. Master Sergeant Kevin Rice served with honor, dedication, and distinction in the Utah Army National Guard for over 23 years, where he dedicated his life to protecting and serving his country. Kevin deployed multiple times, in 2008 to Afghanistan and again in 2018 in Operation Spartan Shield. In 2012 Kevin was selected as the 97th Aviation Non-Commissioned Officer of the year and competed in the Utah State Best Warrior Competition. Kevin has numerous awards and decorations from his time in the military. He was active with veterans both active and retired and had a strong social group with them. Additionally, he worked security in the private sector, spending much of his free time still serving and protecting others. His exemplary discipline and stoic resolve and composure will be remembered. He was very structured, by the book, and his service and professionalism were very exemplary. Kevin was very good at fixing things, and figuring things out. His commitment, bravery, and sacrifice will always be remembered by his comrades, friends, and family. Kevin was very proud of his military career. He was happy to serve his country and everyone around him, he strived for excellence in all he did.

Kevin married Melinda Anne Kimball on October 11th, 2019. Kevin was a dedicated, loving and supportive husband, and stepfather to Lucinda. Kevin will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, his work ethic, and his love of the outdoors, among many other things. Kevin was a man who would give the shirt off his back for another if needed. Kevin helped Melinda’s family build some of the family dairy, helped renovate a sister’s home, helped relocate a friend across the country, and he served others when they needed help. Kevin’s strength and skill helped many people. Kevin’s focus on body building and healthy nutrition made it possible to help others more. Kevin maintained a ripped physique. Kevin enjoyed playing games and was an expert at playing board games, winning most of the time.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Melinda Anne Kimball Rice and stepdaughter Lucinda Weight. Kevin had a large multigenerational family, and many people who loved him. Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Odell Windsor Rice; his sister, Karma Rice; and brothers-in-law, Nyal L. Bender and Nicholas D. Randall.

Kevin will be dearly missed by his wife, stepdaughter, many family members, friends and fellow warriors. Kevin is at peace now, at home in heaven with God, Christ, and family and will be waiting to welcome his fellow warriors to Valhalla.

There will be a visitation on February 28th from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. A visitation will also take place March 1st from 10:00 to 10:45 AM before the service. The service to honor the life of Kevin, will be held at 11:00 AM March 1st at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, located at 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT. After the service honoring Kevin, the interment will immediately follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will be held at a nearby church located at 3487 S. 1300 E., Millcreek, UT 84106.