John J. Baruth

John Joseph Baruth, 69, of Strongsville, passed away Nov. 28, 2019, in Barberton.

He was born Dec. 23, 1949, to Raymond and Ruby Baruth in Vallejo, Calif. He graduated from Alhambra High School in Martinez, Calif., and studied mass communications at the University of California at Chico. He also received his preaching license from the Ohio School of Ministry. He married Charlene Wilkerson June 8, 2019. He was the founder and executive director of American Family Ministries and an active member of Mountain of the Lord Church in Cleveland. He was the former owner and CEO of Baruth International Inc. in Brunswick. The Cleveland Soap Box Derby Baruth International Raceway was named after him.

John is survived by his wife, Charlene Baruth, of Strongsville; son, Tom (Jessica) Baruth, of Strongsville; daughter, Rachel (Rocky) Iammarino, of North Ridgeville; grandchildren, Jude, Jonah and Zao; brothers, David, of California, Raymond, of Texas, Vernon, of Oregon, and Dan, of Oregon; stepchildren, Elizabeth (Matthew) Sabo, of Copley, and Kevin (Jean) Starling, of Norton; and stepgrandchildren, Rosalie, Aurora, Colin and Ian.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per his wishes, John was cremated and the family will have services at a later date.