Mr. Carleton L. "Bud" Rice, 98, of Fordsbush Road, Fort Plain, NY, passed away on May 23, 2026, at Little Falls Bassett Hospital.

He was born on November 30th, 1927, in Indian Castle, NY, the son of the late George A. and Ida Tinkler Rice.

Bud graduated from Little Falls High School.

Most recently, he was employed by the Montgomery Co. DPW in Fonda, NY, for several years. Previously, he had been employed by GLF/Agway, Burgess of St. Johnsville, and Burkdorf's in St. Johnsville.

He was a lifelong area resident.

He proudly served in the US Navy during WWII, from 1945 until 1946, with the rank of Motor Machinist's Mate, Third Class, aboard the USS Conner, and lived to be one of the oldest WWII vets in Montgomery Co.

Bud was a member of the Cherry Valley Fish and Game Club, a Life Member of the Fort Plain VFW, American Legion, Am Vets, Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, and enjoyed spending time at his camp on Spuce Lake. He also enjoyed playing cards, cooking, and gardening.

On September 10, 1949, at the St. Mary's Parish House in Little Falls, NY, he married Gertrude Walker. She predeceased him in death on December 21, 2003.

He was predeceased in death by both his parents and all of his siblings, 3 brothers, Charles Rice, and his wife Pat, Gerald Rice and his wife Jean, Stanley Rice and his wife Ann; 2 sisters, Catherine Shults (who was his twin), and her husband Al, and Karen Rice; as well as his sister in law Frances Nasypany and her husband Paul.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Rice, with whom he lived, son Tom, and his wife Judy Rice, grandchildren Kimberly Rice, Kelly Santor, great-grandchildren Stephen Santor, Caleb Rice, Owen Rice; sister-in-law Janet and her husband Tom Burns; his companion Patty Fredericks; many friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family invites everyone to join them at Fort Plain Cemetery in the New Section (Section 40) on Saturday, May 30th, at 11:00 am for a graveside service with military honors by the US Navy and the AmVets Memorial Squad.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY 13365.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider the Ayers Animal Shelter, 433 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166, or the Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, PO Box 432, Fultonville, NY 12072.