Dennis Larry McElhaney

Dennis Larry McElhaney (TCSO Retired Sergeant), a loving husband, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor to many passed in peace at his home on September 5, 2023. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring loving wife, Frances, his pride and joy grandson, Benicio Alexander Mares, his family and abundance of friends. Dennis married Frances Espindola as her son, Paul Anthony stood beside his mother on 10/20/1979 in Santa Barbara, Ca with the promise to care, love, and respect both. Immediately after their wedding, they begin their new life in Visalia, Ca. On August 18, 2023, their wish to renew their vows was witnessed by family and friends at their home to celebrate 44 years of their love. Dennis joked as his gazed into Frances eyes as he renewed his vows to the love of his life. After settling in Visalia, Dennis graduated from the C.O.S Police Academy. His dedication to protect and serve was fulfilled by being hired by the Tulare County Sherrif Department on January 4, 1981. He was hired as a Deputy and later he was promoted as Sergeant. He worked in such capacity in the Cutler/Orosi Substation, HQ Patrol, Narcotics, and Cal MME. He retired on March 31, 2010 and continued as an Extra Help Reserve Deputy. Dennis was proud of being a part of the TCSO Department. Foremost he was proud of his fellow partners (family) to have worked along their side for the years. Dennis was a vivid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams and the Golden State Warriors. He was also the Master Chef during Thanksgiving. He made sure his Butterball Turkey was special ordered from only Save Mart. Set aside Dennis love and enjoyment of various things, his foremost priority was the time he spent with the love of his life, Frances. Hours of laughter, jokes, singing to each other, casino trips, just to name a few, fulfilled their home with respect and love. Secondly his love and admiration for his grandson, Benicio went unnoticed. His love, guidance, advice and respect will forever guide his grandson in spirit. Dennis is proceeded in death by his son, Paul Anthony Mares and his parents, Jerry and Della McElhaney. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Frances McElhaney, grandson, Benicio Alexander Mares, grandson mother, Sandra Munoz, his brother, David and Cheryl McElhaney and his nephews, Josh McElhaney (Maria) and Justin McElhaney (Ardis). His sister-in-laws: Lydia Godinez (Ricardo)and Maria Lopez (Fernando), brother-in-laws: Edwardo Espindola and Pete Espindola (Carolyne). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. We want to thank Dr. Bhasker, Dr. Sharma , Kaweah Health Hospital doctors and nurses from the Emergency Room to the Cardiac Unit, Kaweah Health Hospice Team and Cedars-Sinai Hospital Cardiac Team for their superior care of Dennis and family. Viewing will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Homily of Prayers services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, September 28th, 2023 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. l, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Dennis Larry McElhaney

February 15, 1955 - September 5, 2023