Ronald Wayne Ketchem, 73, of Washington, passed away on February 20, 2016. He was born on November 8, 1942 to Thomas Wayne and Anna Mae (Heddon) Ketchem. He graduated from Elnora High School in 1961 and Vincennes University in 1993. On November 27, 1965 he married Phyllis Ann Gaither. Ronald enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961, and later joined the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He retired from the United States Army Reserve on the 8th day of November, 2002. He received the Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Marksman Badge, and Good Conduct Medal (1st Award). He worked as an Engineering Technician at NSWC Crane. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Elks, and Moose Lodge.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son R. Grant Ketchem; grandchildren Justice Vaughn, Jonathan Ketchem, and Thomas Ketchem; and sisters Mary Louise Arthur, Elnora, IN, Shirley Ann Latimer, Elnora, IN. He is preceded by his parents and brother Larry Ketchem.
The funeral service will be held Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11:00am with Reverend Christopher Byars officiating at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1002 1/2 NE 6th St, Washington, IN 47501. Internment will held at Fairview Cemetery in Elnora where there will be Military Graveside Honors by the American Legion and the V.F.W. Visitation will be Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 4-8pm at Gill Funeral Home. A Masonic service will be at 7pm during visitation on Thursday. Memorial Contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gillsince1872.com
