Hiram Marlin Rice passed away in his home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 surrounded by his family. Marlin was born November 19, 1939 near Longmont, Colorado on the family farm to Hiram Moore Rice and Sylvia Faye Legg.
Marlin started working for the Colorado Department of Highways after graduating from Cherry Creek Highschool in Denver, Colorado. Never afraid of hard work, in addition to his highway job he was at times a filling station attendant/mechanic, Zeezo (a birthday party clown), a Fuller Brush man, a real estate agent, and numerous other jobs.
Marlin and Dawna were married December 30, 1958, and had a family of 3 children while living in Derby, Colorado. In 1967 they moved to Deep Creek, Colorado into a log cabin on the Colorado River. They lived in the Gypsum/Eagle area where they raised their children.
Marlin started a band called the “Marlin Rice Trio.” They entertained for years across the valley from Glenwood Springs to Vail until Marlin retired from the Highway Department in 1980.
Marlin loved hiking in the Colorado Mountains, fishing, and hunting but music was the scenery of his life. Singing for his family, church and with his band brought him great happiness.
Marlin had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings throughout his years. From High Councilman to his beloved Indian friends in North Dakota to Branch President in Minnesota, to High Priest group leader in San Jose, California to his last Home Teaching/Ministering assignment here in Utah. He loved the gospel.
The best times of his life were when he was with his sweetheart, his children and his grands and great grands. In his words “they were the best part of me.”
Marlin is survived by his eternal companion, his wife of 64 years, Dawna Rose Belmain. His children, Susian Hughes, Grand Junction, Colorado; Julie (Scott) Barnum, Cedar Fort, Utah; and Scott (Carol) Rice, Alpine, Utah. 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother Leonard (Kelly) Rice, Texas. Marlin is preceded in death by his mother and father, 3 sisters, Aldean Larsen, Jackie (Bernie) Coffman, Flora Rathburn, and his son in law, Kevin Hughes.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 870 East Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may attend a visitation at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
3 Condolences for Hiram Marlin Rice
Condolences(3)
Sandra Coffman says
November 30, 2023 at 2:03 pm“Say my name, and I live” . Marlin was so much a part of my special memories. Listening to him play guitar and sing is a special memory. While not a blood relative, Marlin, Dana and family hold a special place in my heart. He is at peace .
Karolee says
November 30, 2023 at 8:16 pmOh our dear Marlin! One of the most sincere, loving, kind, talented, fun and sweet men we’ve ever known. He and his sweetheart Dawna played such a huge part in our lives for some great years in Boulder City, and we’ve always felt a great love for both of them. Our kids remember his playing his guitar and singing, making napkin roses, laughing, and feeling his great loving presence. Dawna, may you have the peace and comfort he would want you to feel. You’ll be together again sooner than we even realize. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. We love you both!
Sharry Barton says
November 30, 2023 at 11:55 pmWe love you. Marlin and Dawna have a special place in our hearts. We love all of their children. I know that my mon & dad and Cinda will be in the throng to meet Marlin