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Dennis Harlow, age 77 of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away on Saturday December 2, 2023, at home, after an extended battle with respiratory and heart disease. He passed away in a peaceful manner with his loving wife and family by his side. To sum up the life of a great man in a few paragraphs is not possible. Dennis would help anyone in need at any time and ask nothing in return. He preferred to walk away and continue with life after providing help. Most who thought they knew Dennis in fact really did not. Dennis was a true Patriot and was not ashamed to let anyone know. He was a very loving and compassionate man who would do whatever it took to help, especially animals. Dennis did not just have a soft spot for animals, he would instantly become friends, treating each one like the valuable family member that they quickly became. If Dennis considered you a close friend there was almost nothing he would not do for you. He would drop everything to come to you and provide whatever he could when asked. This is all evidenced in the life that he lived. Dennis was born on August 27, 1946, to Sophie and Kenneth Harlow in Hammond, Indiana. Dennis graduated from Hammond High School in 1963. He joined the U.S. Army in April 1966 at the age of 19. Dennis completed his basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky and then completed advanced training at Fort Bragg N.C. Dennis next volunteered for, and successfully completed, Airborne Training at Ft. Benning, Georgia in December 1966 where he completed 38 jumps from aircraft. He then returned to Ft. Bragg where he volunteered for Special Forces training at the John Kennedy Special Warfare School from which he earned the Green Beret. Dennis was ordered to Viet Nam in December 1966 and served briefly with the MAC V SOG. He returned to the USA in July 1970. His last assignment was with the 7th Special Forces. Dennis was honorably discharged in April of 1972 at the rank of Staff Sargent, E-6. Upon his military discharge, Dennis returned to Indiana and soon settled in at Lake Dalecarlia. While residing there he continued his public service when he joined the Lake Dale Volunteer Fire Department and became an Indiana State Certified Emergency Medical Technician, (EMT). He served with the Lake Dale F.D. for 11 years. In 1986 Dennis relocated to Lincoln Township in Newton County, In. where once again Dennis dedicated his life to public service by becoming a member of the Lincoln Township Volunteer Fire Department, (LTVFD). During his 15-year career with the LTVFD he attained the rank of Captain and earned many State and National Fire Service Certifications. During his years of service with the LTVFD he also worked for a local business that provided high quality education and training to First Responders, the uniformed and civilian military personnel across this great Nation sharing his knowledge, education and experience as a Certified Instructor. His last commitment to public service was with the Newton County Sheriffs Reserves where he served the citizens of Newton County until 2023 when he retired from that position. Dennis and Marla had been married for 38 years and did not have children. Instead, they both dedicated a significant part of their life to homeless animals that would show up at their home by providing a safe location for them along with shelter, food and water, also veterinary care if needed. To them, the animals are their children. Dennis was predeceased by his parents Sophie and Kenneth Harlow. Dennis is survived by his loving wife Marla Harlow, as well as several relatives by marriage. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Memory Lane Funeral Home, 6305 West Lincoln Highway Crown Point IN 46307. Interment to follow. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org in his name as it is an organization Dennis felt strongly about.

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Dennis A. Harlow

August 27, 1946 - December 2, 2023