Beth, John W., 81, a disabled veteran and retired teacher and high school basketball coach, passed away January 9, 2025. Mr. Beth had recently moved to the Altenheim retirement community, where he died in his sleep. He served in the Untied States Army for six years and was honorably discharged in 1968. Mr. Beth was also a teacher and coach for some 30 years in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. This includes 11 years at St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School, where he taught Social Studies and History from 1983 -1994. He took over the head varsity basketball coaching duties in 1986 and continued in that position until 1993. Mr. Beth worked as an assistant basketball coach at the old Barat Hall elementary school. It was located in the Central West End and run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The school closed in 1968. He is survived by a sister, Pat Alkemeier and nephew, Steve Alkemeier. Mr. Beth’s brother James died in 2019. Services and Interment were private.
On behalf of the Class of 1963 from St. Margaret of Scotland Grade School, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Coach Beth’s family and friends. Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss.
Although Coach Beth is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be on the basketball court and the baseball field in Tower Grove Park. And when we gather and talk turns to the days of auld lang syne, Coach Beth has been and will continue to be included.
God bless you Coach and thank you for all you did for us.
Danny Slay
SMOS Class of ‘63