Dennis Paul Garland Sr., a resident of rural Syracuse, passed away at home unexpectedly at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was 70 years old.

Dennis Garland

Born in Knox on Friday, Nov. 28, 1952, Dennis was the son of the late Victor and Blanche (Beecham) Garland. He was a 1971 graduate of Knox High School, where he was inducted in the school’s hall of fame for basketball. Later, he attended Indiana State University before being drafted to the United States Army Reserve. Dennis served stateside in an active role for several years before he was honorably discharged, returning home to meet the love of his life, Tina Kemery. Tina and Dennis were married on April 28, 1989, after meeting at work more than five years before. They shared 39 years together before Dennis’ passing.

Professionally, Dennis was an iron worker; he assembled structures, moved heavy equipment and helped build our communities. He was a proud union member of Local 292, working most of his career for Don R. Fruchey out of Fort Wayne. He retired in 2007.

Dennis was quite happy in retirement. He had always enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting and working in the garden. He was a lifelong IU basketball and Notre Dame football fan. He enjoyed competitively fishing, especially at the annual Fruchey-sponsored charity outing. He had a good sense of humor and was truly a gentle giant. More than anything, Dennis loved his family; he was incredibly proud of his children and loved his grandchildren dearly.

In addition to his wife, Tina Garland, of Syracuse, Dennis is survived by five children: Cole (Brittany) Garland, of Leo-Cedarville, Shelly (Alex) Truty, of Macy, Heather Williams, of Warsaw, Michael (Amy) Garland, of Leiters Ford, and Dennis (Stacy) Garland Jr., of Gulf Port, Miss.; grandchildren, Destiny (Seth) Syndram, Braxton Tennant, Kennedy Tennant, Faith Williams, Edward Truty, Braysen Stambaugh, Hazel Williams, Jaxon Garland, Kyle (Dakota) Garland, Colby Garland, Katherine (Stone) Dalton and Avery Garland; several great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Donna (Richard) Beauchamp, Peg (Arnold) Risner, Sandra (Bruce) Bennett and Steven Garland. His parents and two brothers, Butch and David Garland, preceded him in passing.

Titus Funeral Home of 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with Dennis’ care. Friends may gather there from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 13. At 6 p.m., the Titus staff will lead the family in a life celebration service.

Memorial gifts may be directed to castforkids.org. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.