Rest in Eternal Peace Brother-In-Law & Fellow Shaler
Inspiration for me has been challenging to come by over the last 10 days or so. Last Sunday night, we got the midnight call that none of us ever want to receive; my wife’s brother, Dennis, had been shot & killed at his residence. Initially we thought it was an accidental shooting, but police have since concluded that it was intentional and are treating it as a homicide. It is believed that Dennis had gone outside to take care of an Armadillo(s) that had tore up the front yard. He barely made it past the car port before the shots were fired.
Dennis, his wife and their 3 kids, had moved from New Jersey to the family farm near Converse, LA. They were eager to trade the highly taxed Jersey for the slower-paced Sabine Parish. Here their kids could run about and be country kids on the 300 acre farm. They quickly felt at home. Dennis quickly got busy working on the house that hadn’t seen TLC for a few years. They got a couple 4 wheelers. They planted an impressive garden. Put in a zip line. The farm was once again looking alive. The family was thrilled.
Obviously, this criminal took Dennis from us. Dennis was a great brother-in-law and made me feel welcome to the family from the beginning. His wit and humor kept us laughing. Dennis served as the family’s point person for leasing the land. Dennis joked that he was looking forward to becoming a “Sheikh” – Converse, Louisiana style. Dennis was a member of GoHaynesvilleShale.com and noted that, “Wow! Looks like the site is growing up.” Dennis was creative having worked in media with the Navy and then in the private sector; we were discussing ways of working together with GHS.
Since the shooting, something else has become quite clear. In addition to taking Dennis away from his wife, children and the rest of us, this murderer also took something else that will be very hard to recapture; the innocence of the family farm. The farm had become a place for respite. My wife and her siblings had spent many a summer with their grandparents on the farm. After the passing of their grandparents, the farm had remained a gathering place; a place to get away. I grew up in rural Indiana and I thought I knew what country was, but the Louisiana farm took it to a whole nother level.
Now, this family is left to deal with Dennis’ absence and a beloved farm that is now sullied by this act of needless violence. Please, if you have any information that might be of assistance, contact the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department at (318) 256-9241.
The Sabine Index Story
The below pictures are in memory of Dennis. Perhaps they’ll give you some insight into the guy I knew. Dennis leaves behind a wife and 3 children (10, 10, & 4). Now rest in eternal peace with your Maker Dennis.
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Add a Comment
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Comment by DrWAVeSport Cd1 on July 2, 2009 at 9:45
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Dear Keith & Family,
You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. It seems we have become a rather close HS family over the past year, so the loss of your brother-in-law, Dennis has hit home to us all. If there is anything we can do...I know your HS family will find a way to do it. Keith, you have helped all of us in so many ways. If we can help you...
DrWAVESport Cd1 7/2/2009
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Comment by Pam on July 2, 2009 at 8:15
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My deepest condolences also. What a tragedy! I heard about this in the news and didn't make the connection either. My sister-in-law and her family attend Midway Baptist Church and I have a lot of family in the area. It's almost unbelievable that something like this could happen there. But there have been several unsolved murders in Sabine Parish during the last few years. I pray for God's healing and peace for all.
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Comment by Two Dogs, Pirate on July 2, 2009 at 5:15 -
Keith, I read the story in the newspaper last week and I guess my brain wasn't in gear because it didn't hit as to who the victim was. My deepest sympathy to you, Anna-Faith, Meredith, Celeste and Mrs. Patricia. If you remember I met all of you at the family reunion at Toledo Bend. I pray for the family and also for Sheriff Pattason to find who committed this horrible crime.
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Comment by Anita on July 2, 2009 at 4:50
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So sorry to hear about your loss,I pray that the person that did this is caught,So that no other person has to go through this,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Comment by Barbara Williamson on July 2, 2009 at 4:31
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Keith, I am very sorry about your brother-in-law. This is a terrible tradgedy not only for his family but for all the community. I know this may just seem like words to you but he is with the Lord and in a much better place. I agree with some of the others, there is no place safe anymore. My prayers go out to you and your family. May the Lord continue to comfort you.
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Comment by Checkmateking on July 2, 2009 at 4:05
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Unbelievable Keith, I am very sorry for your loss. Your brother looked like a wonderful person.
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Comment by wpt9452 on July 2, 2009 at 4:01
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Keith, my wife and I offer our condolences for such a terrible tragedy. There are too many senseless killings that take good people away from the one's that love them. I always thought how safe it was to live in the country, away from the crime in the city but you can never believe that you are safe anywhere. Again we are sorry for your loss.
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Comment by mskillerbee on July 2, 2009 at 3:37
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I am so sorry for this tragic and senseless loss to all of your family. Your words show a love and respect for Dennis that comes from strong convictions and a loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Comment by SharonB T18N R15W S8 on July 2, 2009 at 3:10
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How very sad. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I can tell he was a great guy just by the pictures you have posted. I hope the perpatrator is found and prosecuted for his death. God bless and thanks for sharing.
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Comment by Karen Fennell on July 2, 2009 at 2:25
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What a great tribute to Dennis and his life. I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Dennis' precious life. My prayers will be with your family and his wife Celeste and their three children. This will be a difficult time for all. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
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