By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

John Muth was the first person in his family to receive a higher education.

Life was more difficult and education harder for his father, who had immigrated from Austria-Hungary.

Mr. Muth earned a Ph.D. and went on to a career in education and consulting.

He died of an apparent heart attack Sunday at his home in Columbus. He was 69.

Mr. Muth graduated from Western Hills High School in 1953. After graduation he enlisted in the Army and served at Fort Knox and Camp Breckinridge.

After his honorable discharge, he received a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, a master's from the University of Cincinnati and a Ph.D. in secondary school administration from Miami University.

He began his career at Oak Hills High School in 1965, teaching social studies and coaching football, wrestling and tennis.

Mr. Muth taught English at Aiken High School during the 1968-69 school year before becoming assistant principal at the old Cutter Junior High School. He was principal of Wilmington High School from 1974 to 1980 and principal at Granville High School in Columbus from 1980 to 1982.

He was a consultant for Nationwide Insurance Co. until he retired four years ago.

"After he retired, he did a lot of work on our genealogy," said his son, Jon Muth of Kingston, N.Y.

In addition to his son Jon, survivors include his mother, Elizabeth Muth of White Oak; another son, Jeffrey Muth of Columbus; a brother, Michael Muth of White Oak; and three grandchildren.

The funeral is 11 a.m. today at Victorian Village Chapel at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, 34 W. Second St. in Columbus. Interment will be at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorials: American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.