Dr. Dennis L. Church, age 61 – a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully following a sudden illness as a result of a blood clot on March 16, 2015 at his residence. He was born August 24, 1953, the son of Joe D. and Harriett L. (Mock) Church. Dennis was a well-known and respected Dentist in Elwood for more than 36 years, starting his practice in August of 1979. He was a 1971 graduate of Frankton High School, and later attended Indiana University in Bloomington. He graduated in 1979 from the I.U. School of Dentistry. Dennis married Pamela J. Seasor on July 26, 1980, and they shared nearly 35 years of marriage together. Dennis was extremely active and dedicated to the Elwood community. He formerly was a coach of Y-ball Soccer, T-ball basketball, Elwood Little League baseball, and Elwood Babe Ruth baseball. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood where he served on various committees including Chairman of the Finance Committee for over 20 years. He also formerly served on the YMCA Board of Directors, and was an avid sports fan – especially the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and I.U. basketball. In recent years, Dennis enjoyed owning and operating Elwood Car Care; working on his family farm property; working with his hands in woodworking and stained glass projects; fixing all types of things; and recycling. He was a great card player and especially enjoyed playing euchre and bridge. More than anything, Dennis will be remembered for his devotion to family and the Elwood community.

Dennis is survived by his mother, Harriett Church of Elwood; wife of 34 years, Pam Church of Elwood; daughter, Megan Church (boyfriend Bryan Reed) both of Indianapolis; and son, Adam Church of Indianapolis, brother, Kevin (wife Sharon) Church of Elwood; nieces and nephews, Laura Church (Zach Guest), Kyle Church (Samantha Ousley), Ben Church, and Angela Church; sister-in-law, Pat (husband Mark) Bailey and son, Brandon Bailey; brother-in-law, Scott (wife Sallie) Seasor and children, Sarah, Matthew, and Michael; brother-in-law, Bob (wife Whitney) Seasor and children, Colton, Braden, and Hallie; aunt, Lornell Mock of Anderson; cousins, Don (wife Deb) Mock and son Zach (wife Amanda) Mock, Jim (wife Terrye) Mock and children, Brad (wife Sarah) Mock, Emily (husband Adam) Heinlin; and extended family members, Erika Seasor, Dick Reynolds, Aaron Reynolds, Chad, Sarah, and Karah McCorkle, and Kurt, Cheryl, Gracie, and Kole Scharff. He is also survived by many special friends including the Antrim Family, the Moser Family, Mary Ann & Tom Burns, Tom & Paula Oldag, and his dental office family, Joe & Mavis Barnett, Christy, Cheryl, Darlene, Pat, Jan, Diana, Pam L., Tammy, Amy, Resa, Kim, and Sandy.

He was preceded in death by his father; son, Logan M. Church in 2004; grandparents, Hester & Chet Mock and Cordie & Charlie Church; in-laws, Fay & Gene Seasor; cousins, Dixie Reynolds and Jane Tracy; aunts, Dot Ellsworth and Thelma Castor, and uncles, Meredith Mock, and Gene & Wilma Church.

A funeral service celebrating Dennis' life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Elwood with Rev. Jenny Charles, Mark Bailey, and Megan Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the First United Methodist Church or the Harry Bridges Little League. Online condolences to the Church family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.