January 5, 1952 — October 21, 2025
John E. Goble, 73, of Louisa, KY passed away peacefully at his home on October 21, 2025. Born on January 5, 1952, he was the son of the late Henry Goble, Jr. and Launa “Bootsie” Maynard Goble.
John is survived by his wife Daphene (Kirk) Goble of Louisa, KY and his children, Alison Boskovic of Raleigh, NC and John David Goble of Louisa, KY. Grandchildren: Bailey Orf of California, Luka and Luna Boskovic of Raleigh, NC, William, Lily Grace, Grant and Max Goble of Louisa, KY, Marie Boskovic of Proctorville, OH; one great granddaughter, Josie Boskovic of Proctorville, OH.
John is also survived by 9 siblings: Danny (Sandy) Goble, Inez; Janice (Danny) Maynard, Inez; Steve (Joyce) Goble, Louisa; Mike (Irene) Goble, Inez; Mitchell Goble, Louisa; Martha Bowen, Inez; Phillip (Sherry) Goble, Inez; Phyllis (Larry) Preece, Inez; Dena (Ricky) Bowen, Inez; and Alberta Goble, Inez, KY.
Preceding John in death was one brother, Tex Tyler Goble; one sister, Wanda Faye Rouse; one son-in-law, Goran Boskovic; one sister-in-law, Tammy Goble; three brothers-in-law, Donald Jack Rouse, Gary Kirk and Joey Lee Kirk; two nephews, Jeffrey Goble and Donald Jack Rouse, Jr. (Pero).
John dedicated his life, first and foremost, to walking with and serving God, which provided the framework for his life, molding him into the man he was: a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, Pastor.
In April 1984, at the early age of 32, John was appointed Pastor at New Friendship Church. He filled that role faithfully for 41 years, molding generations of believers who now have Jesus Christ as their hope, their anchor in the storms of life. His deep understanding of Scripture, coupled with the rare ability to explain it so simply a child could understand, has lighted a path to Jesus for multitudes whose souls have been saved. The heartfelt interpretation and presentation of the beautiful hymns he often sang led all to praise and worship God who were blessed to hear them.
John served as mentor to Martin County’s youth where he taught at Inez Middle School for 24 years, molding and transforming the future of young men and women by his instruction and by the example he set before them. In addition to his studious side, John was a builder, a skilled craftsman. He and his brothers had their own construction business – many structures in Martin County were built by the Goble Brothers, including Callaham Funeral Home. His construction skills served him as well in his years in the mining industry working for Wolf Creek Collieries and Martin County Coal prior to returning to his studies to earn his teaching certification at Morehead State University.
John was an avid horseman. His love of smooth-gaited saddle horses led to a search for the perfect saddle to make the ride as comfortable as possible. That search led to a nearly extinct “Kentucky Saddle” which he re-introduced after making one for his own riding comfort. Soon his unique craft was in high demand – custom saddles engineered and crafted with his own hands. John was featured in various trade publications and cited by KET and PBS for his leather crafting and vast knowledge of the trade.
In summary, with the passing of John Goble, “a great tree has fallen” – a man among men. Yet, in his own humble spirit John would simply describe himself – a creation and servant of God.
John will be sadly missed by his family and friends, his community, and his church family, yet all will continue to be guided and spiritually enriched from all the years God blessed them to bloom together in the flower garden of their lives.
Memorial service for John will be held at New Friendship Church on Sunday, October 26, at 2:00pm with brothers Lonnie Ratliff and David Marcum presiding. Visitation for family and friends will be at New Friendship on Saturday, October 25, starting at 4 pm. Burial will follow in the Kirk/Pope Cemetery at Louisa, KY. Arrangements are under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home of Inez, KY.
*****
“…He was so humble and unassuming; characteristic traits of truly great people. I could tell you he was a wonderful person and tell you many good deeds he did and he wouldn’t want any of it said. He would want all praise and glory to go to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,and Him alone. Nevertheless, he lived a life that impacted countless people. I count it an honor to have known him. I thank the Lord for the life he lived, the witness that he was. My prayers for strength, comfort and peace go out to all of his loved ones. If we will live our lives by his example and standards we will meet again in Heaven.”
Rosemary Salmons – October 23, 2025
