Dennis Garland

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

Born in Knox, IN on Friday, November 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, MS; 11 grandchildren: Destiny (Seth) Syndram, Braxton Tennant, Kennedy Tennant, Faith Williams, Edward Truty, Braysen Stambaugh, Hazel Williams, Kyle (Dakota) Garland, Colby Garland, Katherine (Stone) Dalton, Avery Garland and Jaxon 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 South Huntington Street, Syracuse is entrusted with Dennis' care. Friends may gather there on Thursday, April 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. 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