William Joe Rice

August 24, 1952 - February 15, 2020

William Joe Rice (Bill) was born August 24, 1952 to Vergil E Rice, Sr. and Ruth E (Porter) Rice Iseminger in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Norwoodville and was a member of the Saydel HS Class of 1970. Later he earned an Associate Degree in Business at NAU in KC, MO. Nearly 49 years ago, he married Pamela Webb. They had a daughter, Tina Sue. He was Papa to 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Bill appreciated humor and was a colorful storyteller. He loved watching John Wayne movies and listening to Johnny Cash with his family. They also enjoyed the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and racing, especially Dale Earnhardt. But, next to his family, he loved trucking the most. Bill (Hobo) spent most of his career as an owner/operator. He loved the life, the experiences, and the people. Bill passed, after a short illness, on February 15, 2020 in Lee’s Summit, MO near his home in Centerview, MO. He will be missed by his wife and grandchildren, Christina, Brandi, Zachary, Emma, and Dustin, great grandchildren, Elijah, Kinsley, Aliyah, and Jaxon, siblings, Virginia (Gary)Thompson, Betty (Mike) Stapleton, Terry (Tom) Catron, Cyndi (Rick) Shepherd, RuthAnne Williams, David Rice, and Becky (Les) Walters. He was preceded in death by his daughter, parents, step-parent Warren Iseminger, brothers Johnny, Vergil, and Rick, parents-in-law Bonnie Dowler, Vern Webb, and Ray Dowler, and sister-in-law Debbie Grandmaitrer. Please join us as we remember Billy, on March 21st at 1pm in the Community Room at Wakonda Christian Church at 3938 Fleur Dr in Des Moines.