On May 4th, 1988, Dane Alan Partridge was born as the youngest of five children to Dennis and Terri (Hepworth) Partridge in Landstuhl, Germany. At the age of 3, the family moved to Altus, Oklahoma where Dane spent his time in the dirt and playing army man in the fields.
At the age of 12, Dane moved to Rexburg, Idaho with his mother and siblings where he attended Madison Middle School. In high school, Dane received his Eagle Scout award and attended both Madison High School (Rexburg) and Skyline High School (Idaho Falls) where he marched in the band with his trumpet and spent time doing service throughout the community. Dane always marched to the beat of his own drum, which led him to the recruiter's office for the United States Army just after high school, in 2006. Shortly later he was deployed to Iraq where he fought valiantly in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 – 2009.
Throughout his military career, Dane was awarded many medals and ribbons including:
· Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars
· Army Commendation Medal
· Army Achievement Medal (earned twice)
· Meritorious Unit Commendation
· National Defense Service Medal
· Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
· Parachutist Badge
After returning from Iraq, Dane joined the civilian life and attempted to find a new normal. He enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found gathering friends, family, and strangers to go four-wheeling or canoeing. He was known for his booming voice and gregarious personality. He loved to make his children and family laugh. He strongly believed in serving others – especially the underdog. He tried to instill that love of service into all those he encountered. He led by example, which is what led him marching back to the battlefield to serve our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
In April 2022, Dane bought a one-way ticket to Poland and then made his way to the Ukraine Embassy where he signed a contract as a volunteer soldier with the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine (ILDU). During his short service in Ukraine, Dane quickly became a respected commander and leader of his team helping to train his men, complete combat missions, and was attributed to the saving of many soldiers' lives. On October 3rd, Dane and his men were ambushed where he received severe wounds. Later, on October 11th, 2022, Dane passed away while on life support in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
Though he often struggled to find his purpose in the civilian world, he certainly filled the measure of his creation with those on the battlefield. Our hearts ache from the pain, but feel peace that Dane was able to find purpose and meaning in serving those around him at a level that many of us could never fully understand. Giving the ultimate sacrifice and laying down his life for others was never a second thought; it was just another step in his march.
Dane is survived by his wife, Alexia Partridge, and his children Omen (Foster), Vaidalynne (Mason), Emily Partridge, Janette Partridge, and Hazel Partridge; his father and step-mother, Dennis and Paula (Ritchey) Partridge; his mother and step-father Terri and Jarom Hepworth; his siblings Wayne (Melissa) Partridge, Shaun (Eliza) Partridge, Shannielle (Ruffin) Baird, Jennifer (Sheldon) Corry, and step-siblings Dan (Lacey) Burroughs, Heather Burroughs, Shawn (Bonnie) Hepworth, Dub (Krista) Hepworth, Amber (Jared) Anderson, Lottie (Greg) Klingler, and Tara (Tim) Strong; as well as his grandmother, Jennie Call Partridge, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives.

Private services will be held once Dane has returned to the country.

Services may be viewed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/dane-alan-partridge-2022