Darwin Austin Browning

DARWIN A. BROWNING Surrounded by his loving family, Darwin Austin Browning, 81, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2009 in Idaho Falls from heart failure. He was born October 19, 1927 in Annis, Idaho to Archie William Browning and Neona Kinghorn Browning. Darwin was loved dearly and cherished by many. In his younger years he liked to sled down the little Menan Butte, play drums in a local dance band, race dogs, and dance to the rhythm of a good beat. He also loved coming home to that warm, little white house in Annis; home was his favorite place. Darwin graduated from UCLA with a master’s degree in business management. He taught at Bonneville High School, served three years in the U.S. Air Force, and was employed as a management procedures supervisor in the missile manufacturing industry. He was also a real estate developer, broker, and appraiser. On May 16, 1961 he married his love and best friend, Colene Ball. They were sealed February 23, 1962 in the Salt Lake Temple. This was the beginning of a beautiful family with a house full of eight girls. He was absolutely adored by his daughters. Together they spent 12 years in Bountiful, Ut. and then in 1976 moved back to Annis to build on the Browning homestead. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, a good picnic and scenic drive, sporting events, and watching grandchildren participate in various activities. Darwin was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including a mission with his wife to Nashville, Tenn. and seven years together as temple officiators. He is survived by his wife, Colene Ball Browning; his daughters Bonnie (Randall) Allen of Salem, Id., Kathy (Gary) Asper of Menan, Janet (Troy) Shippen of Menan, Linda (Wayne) Hill of Herriman, Ut., Laura Brown of Bountiful, Ut., Darlene (Warren) Dowdle of Meridian, Connie (Stan) Marshall of Victor, and Cara (Jason) Briggs of Rigby; 38 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and siblings Verla Clark, Verna Shirley, and Jerry Browning. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Archie B. Browning; a grandson, Denver J. Briggs; and a great-granddaughter, Mya M. Allen. The family will receive friends Monday evening, March 30, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St., in Rigby and Tuesday morning, March 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the LaBelle Church, 4223 E. 528 N., in LaBelle. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 31, at 1 p.m. at the LaBelle Church, 4223 E. 528 N., in LaBelle.