John William Muth Jr., Vietnam Veteran and Baptist Minister, Dies at 78

Muth served as a pastor in several Virginia churches and was a Purple Heart recipient.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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John William Muth Jr., a Vietnam veteran and Baptist minister who pastored several churches in Virginia, has passed away at the age of 78. Muth was twice widowed, first by his wife Mildred 'Millie' Martha Muth and then by his second wife Susan Marie Martin Muth. He is survived by his daughter, five grandchildren, and four siblings.

Why it matters

Muth's life and service as a Vietnam veteran, Baptist minister, and community member highlight the important contributions of those who have served their country and their faith. His passing is a loss for the local communities he served over the decades.

The details

Muth was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1947 and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, he graduated from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and went on to pastor three Baptist churches in Virginia - Cedar Baptist in Dillwyn, Sycamore Baptist in Gretna, and Reedy Spring Baptist in Spout Spring. In retirement, he served as a chaplain for the Appomattox County Sheriff's Department.

Muth passed away on February 18, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital.
His funeral service was held on February 24, 2026 at Reedy Spring Baptist Church.

The players