Darwin G. Pancheri

1935 - 2021

Nampa - Concluding a lifetime of accomplishments, Darwin G Pancheri, 86, passed away on Friday, August 6th, 2021. Darwin was born in Melmont, Idaho on April 8th, 1935 to Joseph Mark Pancheri and Sarah Diantha Gardner, the 3rd of 4 children. He moved to Melba, Idaho when he was just a year old. He attended Glendale Elementary and Melba High School. In 1952 Darwin married Shirley Brown and they had 3 children, Debbie, Lonny & Rex. In the early 1960's Darwin started developing farms in the Dry Lake area with Allen Noble. Darwin remarried on February 2, 1962 to Joan LaVal Walch and they were then sealed in the Idaho Falls temple on February 2nd, 1966. This marriage began a lifetime of work and adventure. Darwin and Joan worked together farming and ranching, for over 50 years, while raising their combined 8 children. Many hours were spent working, but when there was time for riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, flying, or boating with the family, you would find Darwin behind the scenes, working to provide those happy memories for his family.



After their retirement, Darwin and Joan loved spending time at their ranch in Cascade, Idaho. They worked hard at the ranch, but it was the time spent there with family that created memories that would be forever cherished.



Darwin had many accomplishments, a few of which included: Farm City Night, Cattlemen's Association, Countrymen's Club, Melba 4th of July Parade and over 15 years as a volunteer for the Idaho Center. Service award from FAA for Safe Pilot Award for flying without an accident or violation for 25 years and the Farm Family of The Year award. However, Darwin's greatest accomplishment was found in his genuine love for everyone he met.



Darwin was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a Bishop, twice as a counselor in the Stake Presidency, High Council, and Sunday School Presidency. Together, Darwin & Joan served as Regional Camp directors for our area. He loved the youth. He would give out brand new, shiny, silver dollars to every young man who received the Melchizedek Priesthood, and tell them to always carry it in their pocket, to remind them to remain untarnished from the world. He would carry candy in his pockets to hand out to the children at church. Often they were chocolate mint candies produced with the mint he had raised.



Darwin is survived by his 8 children: Dixie (BJ) Parker, Debbie Homer-Hofhines, Lonny (Kathy), Cindy (David) Squires, Rex (Shellie), Dollie (Troy) Black, Kurt (Christy), Nate (Kristin); 33 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great, grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters, Joan (Warren)Widdison and Diane (Dan) Jenkins, and sister-in-law, Laura Pancheri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Pancheri, his parents and brother, Duane Pancheri.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00AM, Monday, August 16th at the Melba Cemetery, 7205 Baseline Rd in Melba. A viewing will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 PM, Sunday, August 15th at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa. 208-467-7300 Condolences may be expressed at ZeyerFuneralChapel.com.