Silex, MO : Mayor of small eastern Missouri community killed, two others injured in head-on collision in Lincoln County early Friday, Nov 27, 2015

The mayor of Silex was killed in a two-vehicle crash early Friday.

David E. Rice, 67, was taken to Progress West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Rice’s son, David Eugene Rice Jr., 43, confirmed that his father had been killed in the crash.

Rice Jr. said his father was a fantastic man who loved his grandchildren.

“He worked construction most of his life and was fixing up the town of Silex,” he said softly.

He said his father had helped save the town from two floods. Rice had been mayor for three years, his son said. Silex is a town of about 200 people in Lincoln County.

Silex Police Chief William G. Barnes ll said the city was in mourning over Rice’s death.

“Mayor Rice was a dedicated public servant and went above and beyond for the city of Silex and was a great friend to me,” Barnes said. “He will be deeply missed.”

Rice was eastbound on Route E west of Route RA in a 2008 Chevrolet Impala at 7:05 a.m. Friday when his vehicle was struck head-on, the Highway Patrol said.

The vehicle that crossed into his path, a 2014 Kia Soul, was driven by Daniel R. Stone, 17, of Silex. Stone was transported to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake Saint Louis; his condition was listed as serious.

Silex Alderman Dorothy L. Ford, 71, a passenger in Rice’s vehicle, was transported to Mercy Hospital Creve Coeur, where her condition was listed as serious but stable.

All three were wearing safety belts, MHP said.

Besides his son, Rice leaves behind his wife, Helen, 71, and a daughter, Heather Marie Ackman, along with grandchildren.

Source :

Silex mayor dies, two others injured in head-on crash in Lincoln County