John William Huth

John W. Huth of Clarkston, Ga., died at home on April 18, 2023, at the age of 69.

John was born in Springfield, Ill., on December 29, 1953, to the late Irene M. (Bota) and William F. Huth. John attended St. Joseph Grade School and Griffin High School in Springfield, and was a Boy Scout who achieved Eagle rank. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in outdoor recreation. John worked his entire career, more than 47 years, for the federal government, mostly with the National Park Service, starting just out of college at Lincoln Home National Historic Site and moving on to St. Croix National Scenic River, Great Basin National Park, Virgin Islands National Park, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Before retiring in April 2023, he was a park ranger at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs, Ga., for more than 20 years.

John met Mava M. Melloy after moving to Atlanta in 1993. They married in 1998, and together they raised their daughter, Elizabeth M. Huth, in Clarkston. Throughout his life John loved being outdoors with people, whether he was orienteering, running marathons, or canoeing and rafting with children who have special needs. He appreciated a good joke, was the family historian, and could be counted on to lend a hand to those in need.

Besides his wife and daughter, John is survived by his sisters Elizabeth Huth-Taylor and Diane Huth Unger (Donald); niece Mary Unger (Marc Eaton) and nephew David Unger (Rachel); a great-niece and three great-

nephews; and several cousins. He was a loving husband and devoted fa-ther, cherished brother and uncle, and good friend to many. The family thanks John's co-workers at Chattahoochee River NRA for their caring sup-port especially during the months preceding his death.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in John's memory may be made to Lekotek of Georgia, 1901 Montreal Road, Suite 126, Tucker, GA 30084, or at www.lekotekga.org