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.

Services will be streamed live.  Please return to this memorial page on Saturday morning, December 2, 2023 shortly before 11:00 a.m.
and click on the link below to view.