John E. Goble
1952—2025
John E. Goble, 73, of Louisa, passed away peacefully at his home Oct. 21, 2025.
Born Jan. 5, 1952, he was the son of the late Henry Goble Jr. and Launa “Bootsie” Maynard Goble.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 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; and two nephews, Jeffrey Goble and Donald Jack Rouse Jr. (Pero).
Survivors include John’s wife Daphene (Kirk) Goble of Louisa; his children, Alison Boskovic of Raleigh, North Carolina, and John David Goble of Louisa; grandchildren Bailey Orf of California, Luka and Luna Boskovic of Raleigh, North Carolina, William, Lily Grace, Grant and Max Goble of Louisa, and Marie Boskovic of Proctorville, Ohio; and one great-granddaughter, Josie Boskovic of Proctorville, Ohio.
John also leaves behind by nine siblings: Danny (Sandy) Goble, Janice (Danny) Maynard, Mike (Irene) Goble, Martha Bowen, Phillip (Sherry) Goble, Phyllis (Larry) Preece, Dena (Ricky) Bowen, Alberta Goble, all of Inez, and Steve (Joyce) Goble and Mitchell Goble, both of Louisa.
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 and 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 that 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 who were blessed to hear them to praise and worship God.
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 well during 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 reintroduced 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 as a creation and servant of God.
John will be sadly missed by his family, friends, community and 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 took place at New Friendship Church on Sunday, Oct. 26, with brothers Lonnie Ratliff and David Marcum presiding. Burial took place at the Kirk/Pope Cemetery in Louisa. Arrangements are under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home of Inez.