Margaret Lenington and G. Wesley “Wes” Rice, both of Amarillo, Texas, were married on Aug. 13, 1960. Following their marriage, they moved to Lubbock, Texas. Margaret taught second grade and Wes taught mathematics and math of finance at Texas Tech University while completing graduate degrees in Geosciences and Mathematics.

In 1961, Wes accepted a position with Conoco’s Exploration Research Division in Ponca City, where the couple established their first permanent residence. Their son, Clifford Eugene, was born on May 3, 1962, followed by Cheryl Lynne on Jan. 14, 1966.

Wes and his family took a leave of absence in 1967 from Conoco to accept an assignment at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Vietnam War was in progress and Wes served in the Laboratory’s technical war efforts. Jeanette Diane, the last of the Rice children, was born exactly three years later on Jan. 14, 1969.

The family returned to Conoco in Ponca City where Wes served in various technical and management positions in Conoco’s Research and Development. He later held positions in Exploration Services and International Exploration. He consulted and managed installation of geosciences computer facilities in many of Conoco’s domestic and international locations. His sole international resident position was Manager of Exploration Computer Systems for Conoco Norway in Stavanger. He returned from his Norway assignment and he and Margaret accepted a position in Houston, Texas, as Director of Computer Technology, Worldwide Exploration.

Wes held six patents while at Conoco. He served as President of the American Statistical Association’s Oklahoma Chapter. He was an active member of the Geosat Committee and served as Chairman of its Board of Directors for two years prior to the Norway assignment. The Geosat Committee is an organization of about 60 major petroleum and service companies that advised both USA and International Government Organizations in the areas of geosciences applications using satellite remote sensing.

Wes was recognized by Texas Tech University for his career achievements and University loyalty. He was awarded Distinguished Alumnus in the School of Arts and Sciences, and a Career Achievement and Loyalty award in the Geosciences.

After her kids were on their own (more or less), Margaret taught at Jack and Jill Preschool in Ponca City. Margaret enjoyed needle work and quilting. She made quilts for her three grandsons, then a fourth after the family dog chewed one up. The Rice family has since added two great-grandsons to the family tree.

Wes retired from Conoco after 27 years of service. He and Margaret returned to Ponca City, a place they considered home. After retirement, Wes and Margaret enjoyed traveling by car and went coast-to-coast on vacations, and visited relatives in al their diverse locations.

They enjoyed hosting their kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. The Rices are and have been members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Ponca City, and Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas. Wes has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at St. Pauls and Margaret taught Sunday school for several years.

After retirement, Wes initiated the enactment of lifelong dreams of a second career — an avocation in pecans. His company Pecan-Quest LLC and his pecan books: “Pecans: A Grower’s Perspective” (Volumes I and II) are accepted by both researchers and growers as valuable resources. The books received circulation in many international locations.

He authored two other books: “When a Man’s Fancy Turns to Cooking” and “Katie O’ the Osage.” Essays and recipes from his book on cooking styles and recipes were selected for inclusion in the “Best of the Best from Oklahoma,” one of a series of state cookbooks. The latter book is written in “first dog,” depicting life as seen through the eyes of his orchard dog, Katie.

Wes served as a director on the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association Board, and was an Oklahoma delegate to the USDA Pecan Breeding and Genetics Advisory Group. He was an instructor at several pecan related short courses and was an invited speaker at pecan and nut tree organizations across the USA. He is a member of the Northern Nut Growers Association, and the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association. His articles appeared in “Pecan South” and “The Georgia Pecan Grower” magazines. Wes was always ready and willing to help nut growers in the USA and around the world. He hosted pecan seminars conducted into his Osage County orchard and other pecan sites.

Wes’s favorite hobbies included hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing. He enjoyed photography and oil painting when time permitted. He always grew a formidable vegetable and fruit garden. Texas Tech sporting events are his favorite spectator activities and he likes watching the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.