Dr. Ken Gobel

Dr. William Kenneth Gobel “Ken” of Asheboro, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at Randolph Hospital. Ken had fought a long and courageous battle with many infirmities. The funeral will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 420 Walker Ave., Asheboro, on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 at 11 a.m., where he was a member, with the Reverends Russell Ward, Jr., Connie Weaver and Karen Gobel officiating. The family will receive friends at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, from 6-8 p.m. Ken was a native of Wilkinsburg, Penn., a borough of Pittsburgh, Penn. He was a graduate of Wilkinsburg High School. He attended Kenyon College in Gambiers, Ohio, before he enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and served in World War II. He served under General Patton and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. When he returned from the war, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and accelerated his studies and completed his BS in Chemistry in two years, in 1949. He attended and graduated from Bowman Gray Medical School with a Doctorate in Medicine in 1952. His internship was performed at the former City Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C. Ken practiced medicine in Denton, N.C., at Griffis Clinic from 1953-1975 as a General Practitioner. He was also Medical Examiner in Davidson County. He moved his practice to Asheboro in 1976 and continued to practice until his retirement. He was also the Medical Examiner for Randolph County. He was Chief of Staff at Randolph Hospital. For a short period of time after his retirement, he was Medical Director for Clapps Nursing Home. He was very active throughout his youth with the Boy Scouts, earned his Eagle Scout award and continued participation with scouting for over 60 years in various capacities. Ken was President of the Denton Lions Club and the Denton Jaycees. He was an active member of Central Methodist Church and served as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Asheboro Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. His hobbies included scuba diving and he was an instructor as well. He also had a passion for underwater photography. Ken organized numerous charitable activities such as the “Smoke House” with the local fire department and Boy Scout Jamborees. He dedicated his life to the compassionate care of his patients and his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lou Eason Gobel; daughter, Lisa Gobel Salo; son, Michael Jeffrey Gobel and wife, Melissa Earnhart Gobel, son, William Kenneth Gobel, Jr. and wife, Rev. Karen Crowell Gobel; granddaughter, Kelly Melissa Salo; grandson, Matthew William Arne Salo, grandson, Daniel Eason Gobel, granddaughter, Chloe Alexandra Gobel; great-granddaughter, Melissa Ollie Caroline Misher. He was predeceased by his parents William Ernest Gobel and Edith Heiman Gobel. The family extends special thanks to Briggs Funeral Home, Pugh Funeral Home and Ridge Funeral Home for assisting in the services. Memorials may be made to Randolph Hospital, 364 White Oak St., Asheboro, NC 27204, First Presbyterian Church, 420 W. Walker Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203 or donor’s preference.