Robert Darwin Dinsdale

Robert Darwin Dinsdale of Rigby, Idaho, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family February 17, 2024, at the age of 88.  He was born in Annis, Idaho, and lived in Rigby, Idaho, with his loving wife DeAnna for the last 66 years.

He was born March 27th, 1935 in Annis, Idaho, to Charles and Hildred Hoffman Dinsdale.  He was the 3rd of four siblings and the only son.  Darwin grew up on the family farm and was always a farmer at heart throughout his life.  He enlisted in the Army in 1955 and served as a military policeman.  He was honorably discharged in 1956 to help his parents on the farm after they lost their home to fire.  With a lot of help and encouragement from DeAnna he attended Idaho State University in Pocatello and graduated as an Electrical Engineer in 1965.  He worked at INEL on several nuclear projects and finished his career working in research and development of electric cars.  He retired in 1995.

Darwin met DeAnna Chapman at a Ricks College Dance.   He loved to dance and DeAnna said he was a lot of fun to dance with.  They were married on October 25, 1957 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  Darwin and DeAnna were blessed with five children, Paul, Lynn, Dan, Robert and Leesa.

Darwin was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions, including bishop of the Rigby 4th Ward.  He spent many years serving as scoutmaster, and influenced numerous young men as he shared his love of scouting and the outdoors.  He had a love of the gospel and loved to share it with those around him.

Darwin and DeAnna loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and whitewater rafting with family and friends.  They have always had a beautiful yard and huge vegetable garden that they shared with everyone.  Darwin loved people and loved to visit with just about anyone.  He always had time for family, friends, & neighbors.  He always seemed to know when those around him were in need and quietly provided service & compassion.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, DeAnna Dinsdale and his children, Charles Paul (Cheryl) Dinsdale of Ogden, Utah; Darwin Lynn Dinsdale of Ogden, Utah; Dan James (Estela) Dinsdale of Ogden, Utah; Robert Lee Dinsdale of Rigby, Idaho; and Leesa (Eric) Barney of Boise, Idaho; 19 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Rigby 22nd Ward Chapel, 401 West 1st South, Rigby, Idaho at 11:00 a.m.  The family will visit with friends on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho, and prior to the services on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45 am at the Rigby 22nd Ward Chapel.  Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.