Leslie Rice was born on February 28, 1939 in Watonga, OK to Carlyle “Crocky” and Darlene (Godwin) Rice.  He passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85.

Leslie was a lifelong Watonga resident and involved community member.  He attended Watonga Public Schools and then began helping his dad with electric and plumbing while they built houses.  He later owned and operated his own business for many years, Watonga Plumbing and Electric.  He served as a firefighter for the Watonga Fire Department, retiring in 1986 and has been the gravedigger for cemeteries in Blaine and the surrounding counties for the past 30 years.  He was a member of the Elks Club, Ducks Unlimited and the International Association of The Turtles.  Leslie was a team roper, enjoyed competitive shooting, riding motorcycles, traveling, cruises, and hunting (especially for elk).

Survivors include his wife, Cindy (Potee) Rice of Watonga, OK; children, Roy Rice & wife Vickie of El Reno, OK, Leslie Dian Ingram of El Reno, OK, Warren Rice & wife Carol of Watonga, OK, Mary Neal & husband Larry of Chandler, OK, Robert Daugherty of Watonga, OK and Travis Daugherty & wife Bailey of Hydro, OK; 25 grandchildren; 31 ½ great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, Crocky and Darlene Rice; sister, Sandra Herndon; 2 great grandsons, Baby Bear and Aiden Hines; and his beloved pet mule, Red.

Memorial donations may be made in Leslie’s name to the Watonga Fire Department at 111 N. Weigle Ave., Watonga, OK 73772.

Memorial Service:  Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the Watonga Christian Church, Watonga, OK

Officiating:  Rev. Lafayette Randle and Rev. Adam Lovitt

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).