Robert “Bob” Zane Rice, born on June 17, 1955 in Bryan, TX. Bob was raised in Conroe, TX, working on his family’s farm. Bob would tell stories of cattle births and building fences and wished this life on no one else!
Bob graduated from Conroe High school and left home for Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX. Bob had an appreciation for the beauty of nature, but did not shy away from the rock star lifestyle. Bob earned his degree in Art History and minored in Psychology. He would tell stories of how he spent many hours in the mountains and rivers with friends and strangers. A man of many characters, from sentimental to a practical jokester he was a theatrical presence in everyone’s life. An artist that could sculpt in any medium, a photographer, a singer, and a musician in every sense of the word. He was an athlete who wrestled steers and running backs at a young age and found passion and love on the golf course in his latter years. Success in sports followed him throughout his life. He was a winner, but taught his children the valuable lessons of losing.
Bob was a man with an encyclopedic knowledge that stretched to every end of the spectrum, from gardening and sculpting to football and 4H club. He had an eternal patience for not just his own children, but all children needing a place to go, and sowed self-confidence in all that he touched. He possessed a genuine care for people and was quick to offer a helping hand. Bob’s assured work ethic was something he took pride in and instilled in his children.
As a father, he was quick to teach patience and appreciation for all of the wonders of the world, from thunderstorms to humanity. He thought it was more important to understand and conquer your fears rather than avoid them. He was philosophical at heart and passed this on to his children. He was bold and adventurous, goofy and generous, caring and most of all loving. Bob would always say “you’re special,” and you would believe it. Bob loved his family with everything he had.
Preceded in death by his mother, Patsy McKinley Clark, Robert is survived by his ex-wife Ruby Ann Livanec and children Zachary Zane Rice, Alicia Irene Schwanke, and Ross Sumner Rice; grandchildren Zane Vincent Rice, Halynn Ann Rice, Aria Lynn Schwanke, and Lua Robert Schwanke; his father Lowie Keith Rice and stepmother Betty Rice; his sisters Becky Taylor and Beryl English, brother Ben Rice, uncle Jon Kirk Rice and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Robert “Bob” Zane Rice will be held at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 2:00pm.
