Allan G. BARTH

News Death Notice

BARTH, Allan G. 87, died April 14, 2014 in Forest Glen after several months of serious illness. Allan was born in Philadelphia on Sept. 6, 1926, the son of Albrecht and Rachon Breder Barth, and came to Springfield at the age of 16, when his father was recruited by the Shouvlin family to supervise the making of shell casings for the WWII effort. Allan graduated from Springfield High School in 1944 and served in the Army during and following World War II in Japan with the army of occupation. Allan returned to Springfield where he started with the Springfield News-Sun as a summer job, working while finishing his degree at Wittenberg. He graduated in 1950. He adored his work, first as a reporter, and eventually as the editor of the Sun, Springfield's morning paper, from which he retired in 1985. Despite his departure from the News-Sun, Allan continued pursuing his love of words, stories, and young people, working first at Clark State's writing lab, and then acting as advisor to The Torch, Wittenberg's student newspaper for over 10 years. He loved helping to ignite talented young writers. Most recently, he penned two significant Springfield historical publications. One was The History of the Van Dyke Club, spearheaded by Dick Kuss, and the other, Looking Back, Looking Forward, written as part of the new hospital project. Allan toiled endlessly over his research and the best way to tell these and many other stories. He loved the local lore best. In 1996, Allan and wife Barbara volunteered for 2 weeks at the baseball venue for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In addition, Allan served as one of the ushers of the parade of athletes as they entered into Olympic Stadium for Opening Ceremonies. He often cited that time in Atlanta as a true lifetime highlight. He was a member and elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also belonged to the Clark County Historical Society, the Springfield Museum of Art, the Springfield Arts Council, and the Kaiser Lake Sailing Club. He volunteered weekly at the Heritage Center and the Covenant church office until recently. Allan is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Barbara; two sons, Jeff (Penny) Barth, Allan G. Barth, Jr. (Scott), of Springfield; two sisters, Barbara Osborne (Richard ; Indianapolis); Nancy Ashenfelter (Phoenix); step-children Kiki Wilson, Kevin Follrath, and Noel Follrath (Minnie), all of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Kristin Mitterholzer (Andy), Steven Barth (Marie), and Andrew Barth, all of Springfield, and 8 great grandchildren. His daughter, Barbara LaPook, preceded him in death in 2003. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 21 at 10:30 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Raymond Stewart, Minister. A reception at the Heritage Center, 117 Fountain Ave., will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Clark County Historical Society, Kids and Community at Covenant, or the charity of your choice. The LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME is serving the family. You may express condolences to the family at www.littletonandrue.com