Obituary of Eugene Joseph "Joe" Rath

Eugene Joseph “Joe” Rath, JR, 52, of Mt. Carmel, TN passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019, at home surrounded by those who loved him. He courageously fought a three year battle with colon cancer.

Joe was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, PA. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1984. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force; serving 10 years. During his tour of duty, he served as a Staff Sergeant in Desert Shield/Storm. Joe received AF Commendation Medal; AF Achievement Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; AF Longevity Service Award and several training awards. Following his honorable discharge, Joe was employed by Tele-Optics Incorporated since September 1999.

Joe loved his daughters dearly and was one of their swim team’s biggest supporters. He enjoyed outdoor activities and was a fan of Pittsburg Steelers and Pittsburg Penguin hockey team.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest and Agnus Rath and Charles R. Earle.

Survivors include his two daughters Emily and Kaitlyn Rath, of the home; grandmother Edith Earle; parents, Eugene and Marjorie Rath of Mt. Pleasant, PA; brother Michael and Aundrea Rath of Pittsburg, PA; sister Jaime and Larry Golobish of Mt. Pleasant, PA; Father & Mother-in-law, Steve and Argie Vernon; Sister & Brother-in-law Christina and Jonathan Hammonds of Duffield, VA; Melissa Jones and Darrell Pitman of Big Stone Gap, VA; several nieces and nephews. Good friends Mike and Jeana Odle.

A memorial celebration will be held at Homeland Baptist Church, 2504 Hawaii Street, Kingsport, Friday, November 22, 2019, at 6 PM.