Salem-Christian A. Barth, who was known by many as "Chris" and "Phattie," passed away on June 15, 2026, in Salem, Ohio, at the age of 61.

Born on February 27, 1965, in Bedford, Ohio, he was the son of Tony Frankina and Scharlott (Hecker) Kratochvil. Chris was raised in Oakwood Village by his mother and stepfather, George Kratochvil, and he graduated from Bedford High School in 1984.

He developed a strong work ethic as a young man and carried that spirit into every chapter of his life. Chris became an entrepreneur early on and built a career through perseverance, grit, and a willingness to take on demanding work. He entered the scrap business and went on to own and operate B2 Auto Crushers and Pick-A-Part in Alliance. The work was labor intensive and often dirty and difficult, but Chris took that challenge on and made it work for many years, proving that he had the kind of stubborn drive that can turn a rough trade into a lasting success.

In later years, Chris expanded his interests into buying and selling and real estate, where he found success in flipping houses. He approached business with the same directness and determination that defined his personality, and he never backed away from hard work or responsibility.

Even though Chris made his living dismantling cars, he found joy in restoring them and putting them back together in his leisure time. He had a gift for seeing value where others saw only a pile of parts, and that same instinct showed up in the way he approached people. He knew that character mattered more than polish.

Chris was bold, blunt, and always flirtatious, and he never held back. He told it exactly like it was, which meant you never had to guess where you stood with him. He never worried much about what others thought, and he was unapologetically himself, right down to wearing his favorite slippers everywhere he went because comfort mattered most. He was, in every sense, a diamond in the rough, with the heart and gentleness of a teddy bear tucked underneath all that swagger. He had a way of being larger than life without ever losing the warmth that made people feel welcome.

Above all else, Chris fiercely loved his family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by them, soaking in the noise, the laughter, the stories, and the kind of loving chaos that makes a house feel like home. He valued family, loyalty, and the simple comfort of being with the people who mattered most.

Chris lived life on his own terms, and he did it with style, grit, and a grin that suggested he already knew the punchline.

Chris leaves to carry on his memory, his children, Sarah Gnoddie, Scharlott (Zachary House) Barth, Christian Barth, Michael (Taylor Timmann) Barth, Ashley (Robert Matyi) Burns, and Brittney Burns; grandchildren, EJ, Justin, Corey, Coraline, Coleson, and Avery; and sibings, Wendy (Dean) Rhoads, Hans Barth, George Kratochvil Jr., and Michael Kratochvil.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepfather.

Family and friends will be received from 4:00-6:30 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem, where a funeral service will follow at  6:30 p.m.

Memorial tributes may take the form contributions to the family. The contributions will be used for the continued care of his 11-year old grandson, Justin, who Chris had custody of and was raising.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Chris' obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.