Norman I. Rice, 84, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Columbus Regional Health.
He was born November 6, 1940 in Waterloo, Iowa to Irvin P. Rice and Norma I. (Preston) Rice.
Mr. Rice served his country in the United States Army. In his 24-year military career, he served in 3 full tours in Vietnam. He was awarded many medals and ribbons. He started as a helicopter mechanic and worked his way up to becoming a gunner crew chief, earning the rank of First Sergeant.
Norman was a 35 year member of the Waldron Masonic Lodge F&AM #217. He was also a 32nd degree 30 year member of the Indy Valley of the Scottish Rites.
He had a love for trains and even built HO single model trains with extremely detailed and elaborate tracks running through small towns with buildings and other distinguishing characteristics.
Norman also enjoyed the outdoors. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping but fishing was a passion of his all through his life, he told many fish stories. Family was the most important thing to Norman and it’s been said that he always had a joke ready, even if they weren’t the most appropriate.
He married Susan Lynn (Durst) Rice on November 4, 1979, and she preceded him in death on November 6, 2023.
Norman is survived by his son, Lamont (Joan) Rice of Waterloo, IA, his daughter, Toni (Mark) Olson of Reinbeck, IA, his sons, Brock (Kelly) Rice, Brett (Tiffany) Rice, and Bryan (Kim) Rice, all of Shelbyville, his daughters, Amber (Chris) Palmer of Indianapolis, Jennifer (Nathan) Buchanan of Camby, and Hannah Rice (Noah) of Shelbyville, his grandchildren, Holly (Robert), Brodi (Jeremy), Sam, Mahria, Shawn, Nik (Jessa), Alexandria, Dalton, Keaton, Marlee, Caden, Hudson, Grant, Cael, Madison (Derek), Carmen, Ava, Cooper, and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, his wife, his granddaughter, Jayda Palmer; A grandson Tyler; mother of Lamont and Toni, Genia Springer, and mother of Brock, Brett, and Bryan, Judy Rice.
A Gathering of Friends will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.
A Celebration of Life will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with military rites conducted by our local veteran organizations and a Masonic Service.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Norman to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1530 Suite 550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. 22209.
Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Norman’s family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
