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.
Krista, I am so sorry to here about Garrett. My deepest condolences. Praying for you and your family!
RIP hero!
My condolences to the family, friends and all who knew and loved Garrett. I had the opportunity to get to know him a bit over the past few years and he always impressed me as being a silent warrior – a quiet man who was focused on the mission. Krista, you and your boys will always be a member of our St. Louis County PD family.
We will keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Garret and I had the honor of serving together for many years, growing through the ranks side by side. Throughout that time, he made a lasting impact on countless people with his calm presence, steady professionalism, and sharp mind.
It is hard to fully explain the kind of bond that forms in service, but those who knew him understand it well. His absence will be deeply felt. While he is no longer with us in person, his memory and the examples he set will remain with us always.
You are correct Kerry. 1SG Temple will be missed. May God bless the Family and all Soldiers in the 1138th Eng CO. Temple a great Hellbender!!!!
I’m so sorry for and his family’s loss. May he rest in peace.
First Sergeant Temple, was my Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and my First Sergeant. He was a mentor to everyone. He always looked out for his troops, by setting not only an example but the bar of achievement. He just did not make me a better person, but everyone around him a better person.
I’ll miss our playful fights, talking about our kids soccer, and your life advice. To his family, I’m sorry for your loss. To his boys, your dad was a legend. Rest easy brother, you will not be forgotten.
On behalf of the men and women of the Ferguson Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the Temple family. His life of service to this nation and to his community stands as a testament to honor and duty.
Chief Troy Doyle (Retired SLCPD)
These always sting. This one stings more than some because First Sergeant Temple was my Physical Security Team lead during my last deployment in 2022. I have joked that he taught me to leave my car door open when I get out (he actually opened and closed my door). He told me, “Sir, I will decide when it is safe for you to get out and I will decide when it is safe to close your door.” He walked with me in public areas, constantly scanning to ensure my safety. He was my protector. More importantly, he was my friend. I pray for his family as they mourn this tragic loss.
I had the honor of meeting and working with Garret Temple back in 2014 and quickly developed a rapport with him based on his sense of humor, confidence, and pragmatic, no-nonsense leadership style. Time passed and we both moved on, as it happens in the national guard, only to reconnect at a local gym some years later. Garret felt like an old friend, and made these interactions feel like no time had passed at all, like we had been working side by side the entire time. He will be in my thoughts for the forseeable future, and my deepest condolences go out to the Temple family.
What an incredible human. Brave, kind, funny, and selfless. My heart breaks for his family, friends, and anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to meet him. May he rest in peace. His memory and legacy will live on. God bless♡
Love from some OG George’s friends;
Megan & Kyle ♡
Riley, Morgan, Sloan, and Blake
I don’t have the right words to make this better, but I am here if I can do anything. May God’s peace and comfort to surround you. I love you, Krista.
I went to school with Garrett. He truly was a standup guy and all around great role model for others. He was dedicated to helping and serving his community and of all things, it was clear how much he loved his family. The word lost a great man. RIP to a true legend. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. May god give you comfort during this time.
My deepest condolences, may he rest in peace.
I didn’t know Garrett very well, but I had a few encounters with him throughout school events and in my neighborhood. I go to school with his son, Brady, and we would often talk about Garrett on the bus ride home. I remember saying I was scared of him, but he always seemed like a cool guy.
My heart aches for his family, because I know the pain that comes behind losing a loved one. Rest easy, Garrett. Your family will be in my prayers, especially Brady.
I’ve known Garrett since I was 3 he has taught me so much stuff through soccer or just life lessons he was an amazing role model. when ever he coached me for soccer I always played my best and he was always there for playes who struggled . I remember when he was driving me and Brady home from Branson to get to conformation he woke us up at 5 with a smile on his face asking if me and Brady were ready Brady left his phone in the room and Garrett never yelled he just told Brady it was fine and told him to get it when Brady got back we got in the Jeep and Garrett drove us to McDonald’s before going home and we just talked the whole way home about everything that drive felt so quick we were just having fun and talking. RIP Garrett
Temple always showed you respect, and kept it real. We served on deployment in 22′, and I recruited him to soccer, where we had lots of fun. There’s people that shine so bright that you can’t help but step up and straighten up when they’re around. This man will be missed dearly. Prayers to all the family/children. Rest easy my friend!
One of few absolute and outstanding leaders that I have ever had the pleasure of serving under. Not only serving but befriending, GT is one of very few I would kick in the gates of hell with and know his all was in it to win it.
Never goodbye my friend, but see you later.
-Taz
1SG Temple, the world will miss 1SG Temple. I am sure Captain Young and the 1138th will as well as his Family. We will miss him also. Retired SFC Hudson. 1SG Temple was a great Hellbender!!!!
It was an honor and privilege to work alongside First Sergeant Temple. He was a man of character, honor and dedication. He always made time to offer advice to his Soldiers and answer their questions. His leadership and presence will be dearly missed.
My daughter and I shook your hands today and all I could say was “sorry”. My husband served with Temple. We just wanted to come pay our respects and honor a man thats life was dedicated to his family and serve and protect others. From one national guard family to another, you have our support. Please reach out if you need anything or just need someone to listen.
On my hard days, I could always walk into your little office on Deployment to check the baseball score or talk about the gym. Never a dull movement with you, if only Love could bring you back ( Brothrrrrr). I know all the PSD Team and everyone you ever shook hands with would pitch in.
Until next time……
CPT Miller
On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this true hero. May you all find comfort during this very difficult time.
DJ Hardy #13160 (ret)
I have never met you but as I was looking at social media I saw a posting about you. I felt compelled to leave a message. “To a man who has always stood in the gap for others: Thank you for answering the call to serve, both in uniform and on the beat. Your commitment to duty, honor, and country is an inspiration to us all.”
I didn’t know for long but when I was apart of the 1138th I had some family issues which needed me home quickly. I had no reliable way to get home, he didn’t hesitate to help me and didn’t ask for anything in return. To me me was a quite but attentive person who looked out for his soldiers. I’m sorry for you loss and wish the best for his family in these times.
I had the honor of helping train Garrett when he was a student at Eastern Missouri Police Academy. He impressed me with his professionalism and motivation. My heart goes out to Garrett’s family, friends and fellow officers.
Semper fi, brother
1SG, the absence of you will be painfully loud, even in silence. i could not have possibly asked for a better leader in my first unit, and honestly, i’d go as far as to say anywhere. i know that every drill, SED, deployment, or even pulling into the parking lot of the armory will feel entirely different now for everybody who knew you. i’m sure that even those who didn’t get the honor to meet you will feel the loss of you. i hope only the best for you, your soul, your family, your friends, and your colleagues. the 1138th will NEVER ever forget you, and i can pretty much guarantee that every new soldier for the rest of time will hear your name. you always made it your personal responsibility to ensure that no soldier in your care had a single problem go unsolved. regardless of how big or small. we will carry that determination for you, i promise. i am so lucky to have had such a motivated, understanding, supportive, make it happen man as my 1SG. we all are. until the hellbenders meet you again, top. rest in the utmost peace.