Garrett M. Temple passed away on February 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family, profession, and community.
Garrett proudly served his country during the Global War on Terrorism as a Marine from April of 1999, in which he deployed in support of the invasion of both Afghanistan and Iraq.
He deployed again as a member of the Missouri National Guard where he continued his service to the nation until the time of his passing. At the same time, he served his community as a highly respected police officer, the last 7 years with the St. Louis County Police Department’s Tactical Operations Unit. Throughout both careers, he was known for his professionalism, steady presence, and deep commitment to protecting and serving others. His colleagues respected him not only for his experience and skill, but for his calm demeanor and deliberate leadership. He continued his call for service by joining the Executive Board of the St. Louis County Police Association (SLCPA), where he worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow officers. Garrett led with quiet strength and confidence, earning the trust and admiration of those who served alongside him.
Above all, Garrett was a loving husband and devoted father. In 2007, he married the love of his life, Krista (Borlinghaus)Temple, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and steadfast support for one another. He is survived by his beloved wife, Krista, and their children, Brady and Blake. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in being a steady, present, and supportive husband and father. Whether at home, at the lake making memories with his family, or attending his sons’ activities and sporting events, Garrett was fully engaged and deeply invested in the lives of those he loved most. He found tremendous joy in watching Brady and Blake play sports and treasured the time spent together as a family. He valued time spent together, understood the importance of leading by example, and worked tirelessly to provide not only security, but encouragement and guidance. His strength, patience, and quiet wisdom shaped his home just as surely as they shaped his career. The love he shared with Krista, Brady, and Blake was evident to all who knew him, and that love will remain his most enduring legacy.
Garrett answered every call with courage and every challenge with resolve. His unwavering commitment to serving his country and community, along with his leadership and integrity, will never be forgotten. Though his loss is immeasurable, the love he shared for his family will endure, and his spirit will live on in Krista, Brady, and Blake.
Garrett is also survived by his brother, Bryan, and his wife, Caroline, and their children, Chloe, Vivian, Bryanna, and William; his twin brother, Chad, and his wife, Brianna, and their children, Malin and Ellison; his Aunt and Uncle, Joan and Lin Wise; his half-sisters, Lindsay and her husband, Steve Marburg, and Shelby and her husband, Ed Smith, and their children, Taegan, Mackenzie, Madison, and Tatum; his father-in-law, Scott Borlinghaus; his sister-in-law, Kelly (Borlinghaus) Dethlefsen, and her husband, Eric Dethlefsen, and their children, Amelia, Daphne, and EJ; along with extended family, fellow officers, service members, and countless friends who will honor his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents Patricia and Stuart Temple; and his mother-in-law, Diane (Martini) Borlinghaus.
His legacy of honor, courage, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will take place on March 1, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home (10151 Gravois Road). Funeral services will be held on March 2 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Valley Park) at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend and celebrate Garrett’s life and service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Backstoppers and/or Need of Aid; organizations meaningful to Garrett and his commitment to service. Donations may be sent to https://backstoppers.org or https://needofaid.org/
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of knowing Garrett, and serving alongside him, for the past thirteen years. It would be difficult to find a more dedicated Soldier, Officer and family man than Garrett. I’m confident this world will be less bright not having him it. His memory, and legacy, will live on with those that loved him. Godspeed Garrett, you will be missed beyond measure.
I had the pleasure of serving with Garrett for over a decade in the MIssouri National Guard. Every interaction I had with him left me wiser and more motivated than before. His absence will be felt greatly throughout the entire organization.
Garrett and I were roommates in our shred younger years as Police Officers. We were there at each other’s weddings. He was one of the first outside my family to hold my first child. I had the honor of being the FTO that released him to the streets where he always served the community with the utmost level of professionalism and empathy. I, like everyone who knew him, am completely at a loss for words in his passing. Garrett was a bright spark in a world where we more than often see the darkest sides of humanity. I will miss his demeanor, his sense of humor and most importantly his- his friendship. Rest in peace, brother. We’ve got it from here.