Karl L Barth, Jr.

Karl L. Barth Jr. passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 85. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend and mentor to many. He was born on November 1, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio. Karl enlisted in the Navy and was a U.S. Navy Corpsman E-5. After leaving the Navy, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserve and worked as a Surgical Technician at Mt. Carmel. He achieved his dream of following in his father’s footsteps when he was sworn in as a Columbus Police Officer in 1961. He served under 12 different Police Chiefs and liked to tell people about using call boxes and that he was an officer before there was a Miranda warning. Throughout his service he had the unique opportunity to meet 11 U.S. Presidents since John F. Kennedy. 

He was instrumental in the launching and planning of many Columbus events throughout the years including Red White and Boom, the Columbus Marathon, The Race for the Cure, the Doo Dah Parade, Quarter Horse Congress, the Columbus 500, the Arnold Expo and many other events. From 1961 until 2015 he only marked off sick once. His job was a calling and passion, and he was truly a walking living history of the CPD. He also served his community in many other ways ranging from leading youth groups, serving as PTA President, Band Parent President, First Aid and CPR Instructor with the American Red Cross and most recently as a member of the Grove City Citizens Police Alumni Association which recognized him as the Volunteer of the Year for 2021 and the Grove City Community Watch. Since retiring he also enjoyed the Retired Police Officers’ Association. 

Karl graduated from Central High School and obtained his B.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from Park College and an AAS in Law Enforcement Technology from Columbus Technical Institute. He was also a graduate of Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s School of Police Staff and Command, the US Secret Service School of Dignitary Protection, and the University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Traffic Management.

His biggest accomplishments in life though was his family. He raised his three girls on his own after the death of his wife Jan in 1981 and has always served as a role model to his children and his grandchildren. His family was always in awe at his ability to always run into someone he knew no matter where he went, whether in Columbus or in other states. He loved to tell stories of his life, loved taking his grandkids on tractor rides, making his family laugh with his choice of Christmas trees, amusing them with his sidestep kick, traveling with Margaret, and sharing his knowledge and incredible memory. His extended family grew again when he married Barb in 1987 and again in 2017 when he married Margaret. He was thoughtful and caring, always checking in on the sick, attending funerals and helping out neighbors and those in need. He set a great example of serving others, which his family strives to continue in their own lives. His passing will leave a very large void in everyone’s hearts.

Karl, Dad and “Lieutenant” as he was known and loved by many would always advise others to “Treat the people like you would want to be treated and if you treat them decent, not all of them will treat you the same, but most of them will treat you decent.”

Survived by wife Margaret Green-Barth, daughters Mindy (Bill) McCague, Jill (David) Reed, Amy Williams, brother Gary (Terry) Barth, sister Karen (Len) Loftus, grandchildren Jessica (Andrew) Rudd, Brittany (Joe) Gehring, Halie Reed, Billy (Laura) McCague, Joshua Williams, Marissa Reed, Cody McCague, Thomas (Maya) Reed, Brianne McCague, Brooke Williams, and Jenna Williams, great grandchildren Aubrey Rudd, Isaac Rudd, Molly Rudd, Lily Williams, Rose Williams, Leonardo Gehring, Marlow Reed, Luca Gehring and Will McCague, brother in law Joe (Maureen) Leppert, numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, stepchildren Brian (Maria) Vork, Lori (Kevin) Archer, Tim (Shannon) Green, four step grandchildren. Predeceased in death by first wife Janis Leppert Barth and second wife Barbara Amert Barth, and parents Carl and Geneva Barth.

Friends may call at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00 and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. There is a change to the funeral service location. The funeral service will now be held at The Naz Church 4770 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH on Thursday at 11:30am with Pastor Tim Womack officiating. Burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery, Galloway, OH.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Retired Police Officers’ Association of Central Ohio. Checks payable to RPOA, P.O. Box 146, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 or a charity of your choice.