Darwin Elbridge Vance, 72, died July 1, 2005, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was born August 18, 1932, in Salmon, Idaho, to Charley J. Vance and Anna Franklin Vance. He grew up on a ranch at the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River, a tributary of the Salmon River. He attended schools at Ellis and Salmon. He graduated from Challis High School in 1950. He worked for the Atomic Energy Site near Arco for one year. He served in the United States Air Force at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines as a radar specialist.

He married Norma Hydel in Gulfport, Mississippi. They returned to Challis where they ranched a few years with his parents. They were later divorced. He married Josephine "Jo" Hensley. He was a bus driver for the INEL. They moved to Edmonds, Washington, where he worked as a security guard for the Port of Edmonds. After his retirement, he and Jo returned to Idaho Falls. After his wife's passing he moved to the Boise Valley for a short time and just recently returned to Idaho Falls to be closer to his family and friends.

He loved hunting, fishing, watching sports on television, and spending time with his grandchildren: Mikayla Vance, Dannielle Martin, and Shawn Martin.

He is survived by the following: son, Steven (Danette) Vance of Idaho Falls daughter, Tammera (Kurt) Martin of Shelley 3 grandchildren sister, Janeice (Charles) Boge of Idaho Falls

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

At his request, cremation took place. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls.