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