Rest in Eternal Peace Brother-In-Law & Fellow Shaler

Orville Welcoming Dennis

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.

Dennis and His Wife, Celeste

Putting Together the Christmas Bike

Being Dennis

Avid Beach Bum

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Comment by Trey on July 2, 2009 at 1:15
I am very sorry for your families loss. Please note that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Comment by king john on July 2, 2009 at 0:56
what a very sad story. a senseless slaying and a family left without its father . i cannot imagine how lost my family would be without me. it is with deep sadness that i extend my most gracious condolences. it occurs to me many young people do not have the life insurance that they need and if this is the case here please let the GHS family know. a fund raiser / donation collection would be within our capibility . many i believe,desire to help this stunned and shocked family. find comfort in god and knowing your loved one is with the master in heaven above. what a lovly tribute you have created for your brother-in-law. let it be a reminder of the man, the father, the husband and the friend that once graced your lives.
Comment by M. Mcwilliams on July 2, 2009 at 0:09
Senseless, sad and tragic. I'm so very sorry for your and your families' loss.
Comment by msfva on July 1, 2009 at 23:48
Keith,
I'm so sorry for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Comment by insomniacnla on July 1, 2009 at 17:31
I am so sorry for your loss and the tragedy that your family has to endure. Please know that you and your family are being thought of by many people that care.
Comment by E & E on July 1, 2009 at 16:42
our condolences to you and your family, Keith. We hope ya'll are able to find some peace and closure in this tragedy.

RIP Dennis

Earl & Earlene
Comment by DaddyT on July 1, 2009 at 15:37
May God grant you and your family an extra portion of his love at this sad time. The words are not sufficient to express our feeling at this time. God Bless you, your family, and especially Dennis' wife and children.
Comment by GoshDarn on July 1, 2009 at 15:27
Losing family suddenly and unexpectedly is heart wrenching, especially when they're so young. My thoughts are with you.
Comment by Antsu-in-Japan on July 1, 2009 at 15:17
Keith...I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and yours will be in our prayers.
Comment by Taylor on July 1, 2009 at 14:55
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.

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