Dennis Poorman

After a well fought battle and a life well lived, Dennis M. Poorman passed from this life on January 16, 2017 at Broadway Fields Assisted Living in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Dennis Mel Poorman was born on November 12, 1940 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Leon Bancroft and Minnie M. Calkins Poorman. Dennis graduated from Idaho Falls High School and then attended and graduated from Rick's College in Rexburg. After graduation, he served an LDS mission to the Northern States Mission- Chicago, Illinois area. When he returned from his mission, Dennis attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where he studied Agricultural Economics.

On June 1, 1967, he married Lynne Astwood in the Idaho Falls Temple and together they had five children. They had many good years together before divorcing in 2000. Shortly after they married, they moved to Springville, Utah, and it was there they raised their family. After Dennis and Lynne divorced, he lived briefly in Orem, Utah before returning to his hometown of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

From the time he was a young boy, Dennis struggled with Epilepsy. Frequent and debilitating seizures would make it difficult for him to work and to drive. However, his love and desire to work and serve others never ceased. One of the saddest days in his life was when he lost his ability to drive. In 1981, his doctors suggested an experimental surgery to help cure him of his daily seizures. This surgery altered his personality and cognitive abilities which resulted in challenges with personal relationships and eventually his ability to maintain independence. Even with these challenges, he still developed lifelong friendships and would do anything for a friend in need.

Dennis loved reading Louis L'Amour books and always kept up with current events by reading newspapers and magazines. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger and his health permitted. He was a lifelong member of the LDS Church and was a firm believer of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed reading the Scriptures and was always looking to be a better person. Most of all, he loved his children and his family. Through all of his struggles, he had a kind heart, a warm smile, and he never stopped believing in God.

He is survived by his children RaeLyn (Ken) Harrison of Sahuarita, Arizona, Jeff (Michelle) Poorman, of Provo, Utah, and Nate (Jill) Poorman of Chubbuck, Idaho. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren and two step grandchildren, his sisters Joan Fowler, Jeanette Heffling, and Ruth Poole, brother-in-law Richard Poole, along with many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his sons Joey Poorman and Matt Poorman, his parents, his brother, Doug Poorman, and brothers-in-law Lamar Fowler and Jack Heffling.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge). The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staff and care givers of Broadway Fields Assisted Living and Hands of Hope Hospice for their loving care. We would have been lost without the love and kindness of all who cared for our dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, in his memory, to the animal charity and rescue organization, Paws Patrol, Inc. in Green Valley, AZ. http://greenvalleypawspatrol.org/DonationForm. P.O. Box 1642, Green Valley, AZ 85622; Phone: 520-207-4024.

Funeral Services will be held