Former Optimist President

Arthur T. Brice, 71, died Monday, March 21, 2011, at his home in Blair.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will be at the Blair Cemetery.

Arthur Tipton “Tip” Brice was born April 26, 1939, in Sikeston, Mo., to Cleveland Odell and Mary Hughes (Bingham) Brice.

He attended Fairview School, south of Sikeston, and graduated from Gray Ridge (Mo.) High School. He grew up on the farm and, after the death of his parents, lived with his brother on a farm by Gray Ridge.

On Nov. 27, 1993, he married Elizabeth Taylor in Omaha.

Mr. Brice worked in the maintenance department at the College of St. Mary in Omaha, and at Ericksen Construction in Blair.

He loved to fish and do woodworking.

He was a past president of the Optimist Club and played Santa Claus for the club at Christmas. Along with being “Santa,” he attended clown school and entertained people with his clown act at special events. He also enjoyed helping the Special Olympics bowling team and helping with their picnic.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Laura of Oregon City, Ore., Scott and Kathy of Center Point, Ore., and Carey of Vancouver, Wash.; five stepchildren, Jackie and Bob Van Sweden of New Mexico, Cathy and Bruce Ray of Texas, Frank and Gloria Arnold of Texas, Karen and Don Roach of Blair, Carla and Bill Owens of Omaha; several step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Bonnie Sue Gargus and Mary Jane Smith, and brother, Jim Brice.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.