Mr. Earl Joseph “Joe” Gognat, 83 of Lexington KY, formerly of Cambridge
Earl Joseph (Joe) Gognat, 83, of Lexington, KY previously Cambridge, OH passed away early October 12, 2026 at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital with his family at his side under Bluegrass Hospice Care.
He was born February 11, 1943 in Vincennes, IN to Julian J. Gognat and Mabel (Robinson) Gognat. He attended Catholic schools in Vincennes, IN and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1961. Joe loved sports of all types and played baseball and basketball throughout his life. Shortly after graduating, he entered the Air Force in June 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1968. He went to work for AT&T road crew and ended up in Ohio. There he joined up with GTE (later Verizon) where he retired after 37 years in 2008. Joe enjoyed playing fast pitch softball and did so until age 75 with a Cambridge Old Timers team. He also played golf almost every day in retirement. But his greatest joy came from watching his sons’ and then grandsons’ and granddaughters’ activities, which he did until his passing.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Mabel Gognat; his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Terri Gognat; his in-laws, Glenn and Margaret Gibson; and brothers-in-law: Greg Gibson, Larry Trussa, and Herb Kenworthy; plus many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah (Gibson) Gognat; son, Joseph (Jackie) Gognat; grandchildren: Alex and Madelyn; stepson, Jason (Rikki) Gibson; granddaughter, Ashley (Cardino) Fortanaro; son, Timothy (Jeremy) Gognat; grandson, Oliver Gognat; son, Brian (Kelsey) Gognat; grandsons: Maddox, Paxton, and Knox Gognat; brother-in-law, Mark Gibson; sisters-in-law: Beth Trussa and Lora Kenworthy; and his special girl dog, Emma Jo.
The family asks if you would share any memories or stories of your interaction with Joe to please post online. Donations can be made in Joe’s honor at Owen County Friends of Animals, Owenton, KY. Joe loved his family, friends, and faith and he will be greatly missed.
Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com
The family will receive visitors on Monday (October 19, 2026) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ Our Light Parish – St. Benedict Catholic Church, Cambridge.
Services and Burial
A Mass of Christian burial celebrating Joe’s life will be follow at 11 a.m. Monday (October 19, 2026) at Christ Our Light Parish – St. Benedict Catholic Church, Cambridge.
Cemetery Burial will follow the Mass at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Pleasant City, OH, where full military honors will be accorded to him by the United States Air Force in conjunction with the Guernsey County Veterans Council.
Arrangements and Condolences Black-Epperson Funeral Home – Byesville