Judge Kenneth Harold Goff

Judge Kenneth Harold Goff, 99, of Leitchfield, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, just months shy of his 100th birthday. Born November 1, 1926, in Spring Lick, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Tommy Austin Goff and Beulah Ellen Carter Goff.

Guided by the life motto “Who dares wins,” Kenneth met every season of life with an “I can” spirit. At age 12, he went to work for A.V. McGill at the Spring Lick General Store, listening closely to the older gentleman who gathered there- absorbing their stories and wisdom. Entering high school, he discovered the library and, with it, a book that shaped his future—Emil Ludwig’s biography of Napoleon Bonaparte. From that moment, he set his sights on the law. He excelled in the classroom and graduated from Caneyville High School in 1943 at age 16.

After a short period working in Louisville, he enrolled at Western Kentucky University. When he turned 18, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan during World War II. Before departing, he told his boarding-house owner to save his bed—he would be back. True to his word, he returned two years later, completed his studies at WKU, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English in 1948. From WKU, Kenneth went to the University of Kentucky College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1951. He was admitted to the bar that same year and was an active member for 75 years until the time of his passing.

With a fire to serve his community, Kenneth returned to Leitchfield and began a distinguished legal and judicial career. His public service included roles as Grayson County Judge Pro-Tem (1951-1954), Grayson County Attorney (1954-1966), Leitchfield City Attorney (1966-1970), a member of the Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Board (1968-1969), and Commonwealth’s Attorney (1969-1975). In 1975, he was appointed then elected Circuit Judge for Kentucky’s 46th Judicial District (Breckinridge, Meade, and Grayson counties), serving until 1992. From 1983 to 1992, he was also Chief Judge of the Pennyrile region of Circuit Judges. He closed his private practice upon election to the bench and presided with a reputation for preparation, decisiveness, and fairness.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Goff poured his energy into building the civic foundation of Grayson County. While his contributions to Grayson County are too numerous to list, some of Kenneth’s highlights included being instrumental in establishing the Caney Creek, Big Reedy, and Short Creek Watershed Conservancy Districts; helped incorporate Grayson Housing/Grayson Manor Nursing Home; initiated the installation of 30 miles of gas transmission and a one-million-gallon-per-day water treatment plant. Kenneth was among the incorporators of both the Grayson County Hospital Foundation and the Leitchfield, Grayson County Industrial Development effort. Thanks to his tireless recruitment and “can do” leadership, Leitchfield attracted multiple manufacturing plants that strengthened the local economy for generations.

To family, friends, clients, and neighbors, he was many things—Christian, Judge, attorney, farmer, builder, arborist, conservationist, businessman, son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend—but above all, a steward. He never met a stranger. He cared deeply about people and their circumstances and believed work and community could lift everyone. He wanted others to succeed and did the quiet work to make that possible.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Kenneth Harold Goff II (Lisa), Thomas H. Goff (Donna), Laura Jane Goff, John H. Goff (Stefanie), and Tracey Goff; grandchildren, Caleb, Alex, Erin, Chad, Shain, Ellen, Corbyn, Carter, Kenneth III (Trey), Elizabeth, Rachel, Cooper, and Keaton; great-grandchildren: Logan, Charli, Lily, Layne, Bennett, Chloe, Oliver, Noah Kate, Eliza, Stetson, Eila, Hayes, Isaac, Reeve, Rowen, and Sullivan; and several nieces and nephews.

A special note of gratitude is extended to his devoted caregivers.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Glen Hoover Goff, and his beloved wife of 65 years, Florene Shain Goff, who passed away on April 11, 2022, at the age of 92. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in faith, family, and service.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Leitchfield First Baptist Church: Family Life Center, with Brother George Smith and Brother Doug King officiating. Visitation will be at Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Leitchfield First Baptist Church: Family Life Center from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Burial to follow in the Kelly Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grayson County Alliance, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made in the guestbook or the funeral home’s website at www.dermittfuneralhome.com

Who dares wins—words Kenneth lived by and the legacy he leaves behind.