Area Obituaries
Lawrence G. Gognat, age 90 of Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital. He was born in Louisville, KY on October 25, 1933, to Lawrence George Gognat, Sr. and his wife Lucy Ann (Saums) Gognat. On December 10, 1955, Lawrence married the love of his life, Barbara R. Burgoon. For 68 years, Lawrence and Barbara raised their four children and enjoyed their life together. After graduating Bridgeport Township High School, Lawrence served his country as a member of the United States Army. He then attended bankers’ school in Southern Illinois. Using that education, Lawrence went to work for the First National Bank of Bridgeport. Following his tenure at the bank, he was an insurance agent for Country Companies. Lawrence was also an active member of Bridgeport city government where served as the city treasurer for many years. Lawrence was a member of Pisgah Presbyterian Church until he and Barbara transferred to the First United Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport. He was an active member of those congregations and served as an Elder at both. Traveling to all 50 states with Barbara and family was one of his favorite things. They traveled abroad as well. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was quite the coin collector. Time spent with his family was always cherished time for Lawrence. Surviving family includes: his wife of 68 years- Barbara Gognat of Bridgeport: four children- Janice Schultz and husband Gary of Bridgeport; Gary Gognat and special friend Evelin Tyler of Eminence, MO; Elaine Smith and husband Greg of Sumner; and Tricia Inyart and husband Brent of Sumner: one brother- William Gognat and wife Joann of Louisville, KY: seven grandchildren- Matthew Schultz and wife Lori, Michael Schultz and wife Stephanie, Tasha Sayge and husband Justin, Rob Smith and wife Brooke, Rachel Adams and husband Justin, Tyler Parker and fiancé Madison Hemrich, and Trevor Parker: ten great-grandchildren- Madison, Mariah, Lilly, and Kinsley Schultz; Hannah and Shain Weir; Sophie and Ella Smith; and Ava and Emma Adams: and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, five sisters, and a granddaughter, Sarah Parker. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Funeral services will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place in White House Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to First United Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, or The American Heart Association. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
