Dennis Michael Flath, age 70, died peacefully at his home in Starke on June 11, 2017 following a brief illness. Born on February 25, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to parents Frances Short Flath and Robert Jack Flath, he graduated from Osborne High School in Detroit in 1965. Dennis served in the United States Air Force. In 1971, the Flath family relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he attended St. Petersburg Junior College. He attained a journalism degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. Dennis was an attorney at Three Rivers Legal Services and later established a private practice with his dear friend, Eric Ruff. He was an attorney at the Northeast Florida State Hospital at Maclenny and the North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center in Gainesville until his retirement.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol Benson Storm and step-children Heather Storm (Gregory) and Gabe Storm, and three grandchildren, Dakota, Jakob and Cheyenne Dawkins; Sister, Nancy Wardle, niece Sheryl McEntegart (Michael) and nephew Douglas Wardle (Wendy); Great niece Carey Hartmann and great nephew Douglas Wardle. He was predeceased by his parents, uncle Gerald Short and great niece Jennifer Hartmann.
Dennis was a kind and intelligent man, who loved life, his family, and the Florida Gators. He never stopped cheering for the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions. He had the exceptional gift of common sense, and a deep belief in kindness and fairness. He loved music, reading, fishing, and garage saling with his wife, Carol. He will be deeply missed.
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