March 22, 2026 - A lifelong connection to the coal mining industry has earned John Gossett the title of 2026 Old King Coal, according to members of the Old King Coal Festival Committee.

Gossett, a third-generation coal miner from West Frankfort, IL comes from a family deeply rooted in the mining tradition. His father, George Gossett, spent 43 years working underground as a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Both of Gossett’s grandfathers, along with all five of his uncles, were also coal miners.

Gossett’s introduction to mining came at an early age. At just 12 years old, he was taken underground at Old Ben Mine #24 by his father, who had hoped the experience might discourage him from pursuing the same career. Instead, the visit had the opposite effect. Gossett later recalled being inspired by a continuous miner operator he met, describing the man as a figure of great skill and bravery who became a hero in his eyes.

Newly selected 2026 Old King Coal with Old King Coal Festival board members, L: Secretary, Leigh Caldwell. R:President, Marcia Raubach

Photo: OKC Festival Publicity Director

In a nominating letter submitted by his daughter, Heather Gossett, she explained that her father initially pursued a different path, graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in criminal justice. However, after struggling to find employment in that field, he turned to mining, beginning work at Old Ben Mine #26 in Sesser and later at the Brushy Creek Coal Mine in Harco.

Throughout his mining career, Gossett held numerous certifications, including mine management, mine examiner, electrical hoisting engineer, shot firer, and federal low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical cards. He also served as a federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) instructor. While working at Brushy Creek, he was a part-time member of the Illinois State Mine Rescue Team.

In addition to his work in mining, Gossett dedicated more than 25 years to law enforcement as an Illinois State Police officer. After retiring in 2012, he returned to the classroom, completing a two-year mining technology degree at Wabash Valley College. He later became a part-time instructor at Rend Lake College, teaching courses designed to help miners earn certification through the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals in Benton. He also currently serves on the Franklin County Board.

Gossett recently authored a 281-page book titled “Coal Mining Tales,” which reflects on coal mining in the 1980s and his experiences teaching mining technology in the 2010s. The book includes personal stories as well as accounts of individuals he encountered throughout his career in the mining industry.

He and his wife, Paula, have three children—daughters Heather Gossett and Andrea Parsons, and son Shawn Gossett—as well as five grandchildren: Chase Denham, Warren and Grant Parsons, and Addison and Benjamin Gossett.

Gossett will be officially crowned alongside the 2026 Princess Flame and her court on Saturday, March 28, during the Princess Flame Scholarship Pageant at the Benton Civic Center. The event begins at 3 p.m., with tickets available online or at the door.

Following the coronation, Gossett and the Princess Flame will reign over the Old King Coal Festival, scheduled for May 7–10 in downtown West Frankfort. Festival organizers encourage the public to attend and celebrate the region’s rich coal mining heritage.