Dennis F. Longnecker , age 73 of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He was born December 8, 1952 in Tipton, the son of Frank and Phyllis (Malott) Longnecker.  Dennis was a 1971 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. On July 31, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn E. Mort, beginning a beautiful love story that spanned over 47 years until her passing in 2019. He proudly served in the National Guard from 1972 to 1978.

A dedicated worker throughout his life, Dennis spent 29 years as a forklift operator at Anderson Mattress Company. True to his hardworking nature, retirement didn't suit him, and he returned to work at the Elwood Recycle Center for over 15 years before finally retiring in 2019.  Dennis found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved restoring old cars, attending concerts in the park, and was a devoted NASCAR fan who never missed a chance to cheer for his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He treasured peaceful moments camping with family in their trailer at Hill Lake, where he found contentment in the quiet beauty of nature.  His family finds comfort knowing Dennis is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Carolyn.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Kellie (Jason) Ballman of Elwood; son, Casey (fiancé Ellen Atwood) Longnecker of Elwood; brother, Robert (Jeanie) Longnecker of Frankton; 6 sisters, Nancy Heady of Elwood, Vicky (Tim) Havens of FL, Karen (Tim) Grondin of Elwood, Beverly (Don) Groover of Elwood, Lisa (Bill) Murray of Lapel, and Judy (Darrell) Prince of TN; brother-in-law, Fred Mort of Elwood; sister-in-law, Rhonda Jo Sullivan of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Bryce Longnecker, Kourtnie Ballman, Andrew (Kyla) Ballman, Keagan (Jennifer) Longnecker, Alyvia Atwood, and Phoenix Longnecker; 6 great-grandchildren, Lyam, Hallie, Waylon, Mavrick, Nolen, and Aspen; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn E. Longnecker on Feb. 15, 2019; sister, Lois Tateman; 2 brothers in law, George Heady, and Mark Sullivan; and sister-in-law, Pamela Mort.

Dennis' wishes were to be cremated and have no formal services.  His wishes were to be buried with his wife, Carolyn in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood with his family present.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle Dennis' arrangements.  Online condolences and memories may be shared with the Longnecker family at copherfeslermay.com.