Bob Rice

Bob Rice, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 8, 2025, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. He was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, on December 2, 1940, to Orlean and Maxine (Hines) Rice. Bob had an older sister, Wanda, and a younger sister, Revae.

He was raised on the family farm in Ralston, Oklahoma, and graduated from Ralston High School in 1959, where he was an outstanding basketball player and an active member of the FFA. After high school, he attended Northeastern State University, where he continued his basketball career, playing for the Northeastern Redmen.

On January 22, 1962, Bob married Deanne Zachary. They shared a devoted and loving marriage of 63 years.

Bob’s lifelong passion for basketball led him into a coaching career that brought him many cherished friendships through the Oklahoma CoachesAssociation & Oklahoma Girl’s Basketball Coaches Association. His unique coaching style led to numerous victories and, more importantly, long-lastingfriendships. He is fondly remembered by the many young men and women he coached—individuals who thrived under his leadership and still speak of how his mentorship shaped their character. He was a proud Gans Grizzly, Burbank Pirate, Fairfax Red Devil, and Pawnee Black Bear. Bob deeply loved every kid he ever coached.  

Bob supplemented his coaching career with farming and raising cattle (or it may have been the other way around). His love for farming eventually led to the purchase of land south of Ralston that joined his family’s homestead. He was known as a big man with a big, generous heart—he would lend you anything you needed.

He was affectionately known as GrandBob to his five grandchildren: Zac Treat (wife Kate), Meredith Conrad(husband Colton), Ramie Ann Rice, Riley Rice Ahrberg (husband Jake), and Rhett Orlean Rice. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Aubrey Noelle Treat, Emma Jane Treat, Zander Rice Conrad, Shepherd Treat Conrad, and Sawyer Jane Deanne Conrad.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deanne, and their two children: Gaylynn Treat and her husband Mike, and Robbie Rice and his wife Robin, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his older sister, Wanda Rice Nix,his younger sister, Revae Rice Baugh, and his brother-in-law, Roy Curtis Zachary, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orlean and Maxine Rice, as well as his in-laws: Jim Baugh, Corky Nix, Glenn Zachary, Vonette Bright, Bill Bright,and Martha Zachary; and his beloved father- and mother-in-law, Roy and Margaret Zachary. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on September 20th at First Christian Church in Fairfax, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kids Across of America, and/or First Christian Church,

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