Darwin Vernyle Hillman, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on October 18, 2024, at his home in New Plymouth, Idaho, after a brief but fierce battle with brain cancer. Darwin was born to Lyle Irvin Hillman and Viola Campbell Hillman on April 27, 1948, in Shelley, Idaho. He was the sixth of ten children. Growing up on farms, in the Firth/Shelley Idaho area, taught him many lessons in life, but the most important one, was to work hard. Especially when he was tired. He was always the first to help, and the last to leave an event. One of his legacies was instilling this drive to work hard in all of his children. Darwin was married and sealed to the love of his life, Sheila Barton, on August 16, 1968, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. They had many ups and downs in their 56 years of married life, but they weathered these storms together. Never leaving each other’s side right up to the end. Darwin attended Idaho State University and graduated in Drafting and Design Technology. He loved to be creative and build with his hands. This translated into careers ranging from highway development and design, cabinet building and design and building homes. He was always able to find a way to handle any problem that came his way. His many and varied careers took him to different parts of Idaho to live. He lived in parts of Eastern Idaho and Western Idaho, finally setting roots down in Nampa, Idaho, for most of his adult life. He retired to New Plymouth, Idaho, where he was able to have some space, and grow the garden of his dreams…lots of corn 😊 Darwin loved to play and watch sports (especially his grandchildren), take his boat out to the lake, go camping along the river, fish off of swinging bridge, build beautiful things, grow a garden, and create a beautiful yard for he and his beautiful wife to enjoy. There were many nights sitting on a bench, enjoying the view, and each other. Darwin was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many ways, from Gospel Doctrine teacher, Stake Athletic Director, Young Men’s Councilor, High Priest Group leader, and his all-time favorite calling as a Sunday School teacher at the Snake River Correctional Institute for over 8 years. Refined by his struggles, trials, and illnesses, he became as pure gold. At the end of his life, he was full of gratitude and love for everyone. He especially loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and looked forward to the day when he could thank his Savior and shed tears at His feet. Darwin is survived by his wife, Sheila Hillman, his children: Shane Hillman, Troy Hillman (Emily), Steven Hillman, Krista McLaughlin (Paul), Rachel Esplin (Ben), and Travis Hillman (Alana), 19 Grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, and 4 step-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, four brothers, and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, October the 26th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 521 S. Plymouth Ave, New Plymouth, ID, 83655. A public viewing will be from 2 pm – 2:45 pm, prior to the funeral services. Burial will immediately follow the funeral services at Park View Cemetery in New Plymouth, Idaho.
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