Lorris 'Larry'

C. Rice

Ainsworth — Lorris "Larry" Clark Rice, 86, of Ainsworth, died peacefully at his home in Ainsworth on Sunday, April 21, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Lila McAndrew Gymnasium in Ainsworth. Pastor Charles Kieffer officiated. 

Pallbearers were Caleb Rice, Kolbi Rice, Caden Connelly, Tyler Miles, Drew Miles and Lonnie Connelly.  

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Jerry Ehlers, Dr. David Spann, Dr. Brad Williams, Doug Keever, Randy McCleave, Randy Brudigan and all of Larry's other family and many friends.

Burial was in the Ainsworth Cemetery in Ainsworth.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements.

Lorris was born at his family home on Jan. 5, 1938 in Pickering, MO to Champ and Sylvia (Baldwin) Rice. The youngest of four children, Larry grew up on a small farm north of Pickering. Larry's sister Shirley recalled that he was born a broadcaster, doing “play-by-play” of his own basketball games in the yard. Larry officially began his broadcast career in 1956 doing local high school news under the guidance of his English teacher. Larry graduated from Pickering High School as valedictorian.  

Larry worked as a part-time employee at KNIM Radio in Maryville, MO while attending Northwest Missouri State University.

In 1957, he auditioned for a position at KFEQ television station in St. Joseph, MO. His career in television included being a weatherman and part-time children's segment as co-host, Cousin Elmo. 

He married Linda Keever on June 26, 1959. He then transitioned to a full-time radio position at KBKC in Kansas City. While working at KNIM, he met and worked with Gil Poese. In 1959, Gil invited Larry to join him to “make something of this place” as part-owner of a radio station, KBRX, in O'Neill. In 1968, Larry moved his family to Ainsworth to start KBRB which began broadcasting on Feb. 6th. They, along with other employees, went on to start other stations in Norton, KS and Gordon.  Known for his love of sports, he committed hours of service to broadcasting local sports for community schools in the tri-county area. He also supported KLIN with stats of Husker football from the mid-1970's to mid-1980's. He was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993 and retired from broadcasting in 2009. 

Larry lived a life of service in the Ainsworth community through broadcasting community and athletic events. He was a member of the Ainsworth Lions Club and Elks Lodge #1790 and served a term as Mayor. He felt that service to his community and others is what made the world a better place. He was a listener, always curious about what others thought and wanted to tell their stories. He modeled this life by working with many in the community, including training many high school students in the radio business. 

Larry is survived by his wife Linda Rice of Ainsworth; four children Natalie (Neil) Miles of Lincoln, Eric (Amy) Rice of Gothenburg, Lorinda (Lonnie) Connelly of Lincoln and Kyle (Mary) Rice of Parkersburg, Iowa; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law Doug (Caroline) Keever of Maryville, MO; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Donnis Rice, two sisters Shirley Foster and Glenda McCleave and one niece Melanie McCleave. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneral home.com.