Fox High School Band Director Passed Away This Morning

Fox High School Band Director Matt Rice died on Thursday morning, July 5.

Principal Dr. Kevin Rossiter announced, on the Fox High School website, that Rice died of natural causes.

Visitation will be at , will be at 2012 Missouri State Rd, on Monday, July 9, from 3-8 p.m., Rossiter said on the high school website.

The funeral will be at First Baptist Church on July 10 at 10 a.m.

The will hold a candle light vigil on July 10 at 8:30 p.m.

"Matt Rice was a very popular teacher," Ward 2 Councilman Bill Moritz said in a phone interview on Thursday afternoon. A lot of people will want to say their goodbyes to the high school's beloved band director and music instructor.

Rice was 37, Moritz said.

Ward 1 Councilman Doris Borgelt said, Rice improved the Fox High School to make it a top contender.

"He was very proud of his kids and they were very loyal to him," she said in an email to Patch.

In lieu of flowers or cards, make donations to the Fox High School Band Program.

Editor's Note: The article was updated at 3:53 p.m. to include Councilman Doris Borgelt's perspective on Mr. Rice