Allen and Marilyn Flath

CHAPIN — Allen William Flath Sr., 86, and Marilyn Fahrbach Flath, 85, a devoted husband and wife whose love story began when they were just 12 years old, passed away peacefully just 12 days apart, reunited in eternity after a lifetime spent side by side.

Allen entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and Marilyn followed him on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Their passing marks the close of a remarkable partnership defined by loyalty, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion. For more than seven decades, they truly lived up to their anthem, “Stand by Your Man,” a song that perfectly captured their enduring bond. Whether dancing together or simply holding hands, they moved through life as one.

A joint memorial service celebrating their lives will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo. The family will receive friends at the funeral home two hours prior to the service.

Both Allen and Marilyn were born in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1957. They married on May 1, 1960, beginning a marriage that would span more than 65 years and include raising a family they adored.

Allen was the son of the late Robert and Ethelyn Flath. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964, dedicating his professional life to public service. He served as a homicide detective with the New York City Police Department from 1962 to 1982, later with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and concluded his career with Richland County Public Library Security. His career reflected his integrity, discipline, and deep commitment to protecting others.

Marilyn was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Margaret Fahrbach. She began her career as an administrative assistant in Queens, New York, before dedicating herself to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother. She later returned to the workforce in bookkeeping at Dorne and Margolin in Bohemia, NY, and B & L Electric in Lexington, SC. Marilyn brought warmth, organization, and a little sparkle wherever she went.

Together, Allen and Marilyn lived in Glendale and Ronkonkoma, New York, before settling in Chapin, South Carolina, where they continued to build a life centered on family, friendship, and fun.

They shared a deep love of dancing, music, and being together. Allen was a gifted musician who also enjoyed bowling, golf, boating on Lake Murray, playing Yahtzee, taking casino trips, and spending time surrounded by family. Marilyn had a lifelong love of Elvis, cherished time with her girlfriends playing Bunco, attending shows at the Koger Center, and enjoying lunches after “doppeling around” her favorite stores. Wherever Marilyn went, laughter and fun were sure to follow.

Above all else, they were devoted family people. They especially treasured their roles as “Grandma & Grandpa/Papa,” finding their greatest joy in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

They are survived by their children, Scott Flath (Linda), Lori Powers (Ronald), and Glenn Flath (Beth); daughter-in-law, Mary Flath; seven grandchildren, Austin (Asia), Allen III (Emily), Kasey, Alyssa, Ronnie (Lauren), Bella, and Jessi; great-grandchild, William, and soon-to-be great-grandchild, Benjamin. Marilyn is also survived by her siblings, Rosie Freitag, Margaret McEvoy (Denny), Nancy Simonetti (Thomas), and George Fahrbach (Christine), along with many extended family members. They were preceded in death by their son, Allen W. Flath Jr.; Allen’s brother, Robert Flath, and Marilyn’s sister, Karen Claro and brothers-in-law, Robert Bruce Claro and Charlie Freitag.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Allen’s memory to Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org) and in Marilyn’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html.

Allen and Marilyn Flath will be remembered not just for the lives they lived individually, but for the extraordinary life they built together — a love that began in childhood, endured all seasons, and continues beyond this life.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com