Dr. Donald Larry "Don" Marler

Dr. Donald Larry (Don) Marler was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was marked by faith, service, and a deep love for people. He passed away Friday, December 12, 2025 surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived; one built on quiet leadership, kindness, and steadfast devotion to his family and community.

Don grew up in Woodruff, South Carolina and was proud of his roots. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1973, Wofford College in 1977, and earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1984. Dentistry was more than a profession to him; it was a way to care for others. His patients knew him as gentle, trustworthy, and genuinely interested in their lives, and many became friends over the years.

Faith was the foundation of Don’s life. A longtime member of Easley First Baptist Church, he served faithfully as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School and RA teacher, and on the personnel and stewardship committees. He didn’t seek recognition; he simply showed up, week after week, year after year, ready to serve wherever he was needed.

Don believed deeply in giving back, and his love for his community was evident in his many years of service. He was a member and past president of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Pickens Sertoma Club/Service Club of Pickens, and served as a board member and past president of Cannon Hospital. He also served for six years as a board member and past president of the South Carolina Board of Dentistry, and remained active in the South Carolina Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Even in his neighborhood, Don found ways to contribute, serving on the Griffin Oaks Executive Committee and the Keowee Bay Homeowners Association board.

While Don’s accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Patti, with whom he shared a life rooted in faith, partnership, and love. He was a devoted father to Elizabeth Armstrong and Garrett Marler, a proud father-in-law to David Armstrong and Libby Marler, and an adoring grandfather to Graham, Sam, Cooper, Madison, and Ellie. He is preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Meredith, who held a special place in his heart and whose memory he carried with him always and by his parents and sister, Carolyn Tucker.

Those who knew Don will remember his steady presence, his service, his willingness to listen, and the way he made people feel valued. His life was a quiet testimony to faith in action: loving God, loving others, and serving faithfully to the end.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Easley First Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 16 at 11:30am. The family will provide a reception for everyone following the service in the atrium area of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Marler’s memory to:

Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, TX in Dr. Marler and his granddaughter, Meredith’s memories

Easley First Baptist Church, Easley, SC

Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca, SC

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.