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 Dixie on July 1, 2009 at 14:43
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The Hall family has been in our prayers since we heard of this terrible tragedy. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, we will keep you all in our prayers.
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Comment by Big Daddy, bcnr on July 1, 2009 at 14:23
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Keith, our prayers and most heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. May God bless you, Celeste and especially the kids.
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Comment by Emmy on July 1, 2009 at 13:24
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I'm so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. I will be praying for your family.
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Comment by TCB DS3 on July 1, 2009 at 13:09
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What a shock! I am so sorry for your loss and your family's. My prayers and good wishes to you and yours.
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Comment by sesport on July 1, 2009 at 13:03
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Keith - During times like this, you can only take it one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Find solace in the comfort of family, remember the light that Dennis brought to the lives of those he touched. My deepest condolences, prayers will be said for all.
sesport
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Comment by Lynn on July 1, 2009 at 13:00
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Keith, I know it must be very painful for you to share your story but thank you. You and your family are in my prayers and know that Dennis in indeed with God. I will pray for you to have the strength and the fortitude to handle what ever comes your way in your journey. God Bless you all and may the Lord open the door and bring you some answers.
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Comment by BirdDawg, plain ole' idiot on July 1, 2009 at 12:48
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Keith, I can not believe the story I just read. I am so sorry for you and your family. If you need anything in the world, we will make it happen. Please know you and your family are in our prayers. God bless you all.
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Comment by Landowner on July 1, 2009 at 11:24
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May God bless you and all of your family. So sorry to read the news.
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Comment by Sheila C on July 1, 2009 at 11:08
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What a devastating thing to happen to such a young family! I will never understand this kind of senseless violence but know God will deal with the person or persons who did this in due time. Is there anything we can do to help Celeste and her children? My prayers are with them.
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Comment by btj on July 1, 2009 at 11:01
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Mine and my families sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
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