Robert F. Ketchem, age 80, a life-long resident, Bloomsburg died on Monday, September 24, 2012 a resident at Bloomsburg Health Care Center. Robert was a resident of his home on East Eighth Street in Bloomsburg since 1955.
Robert was born on Thursday, September 24, 1932 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Lester and Zella (Hoss) Ketchem. He was a member of the 1951 graduating class of the Bloomsburg High School. Following his education, he served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Before retiring in 1991, he was employed by Bloomsburg University as the Heating Plant Supervisor for over 35 years. Following his retirement, he was employed by Folk Florist & Garden Center delivering flowers and also drove part-time for the local K-Cab Co. in Bloomsburg. He was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bloomsburg. He was also a member of the Bloomsburg (Moose) L.O.O.M. #623, the Bloomsburg Elks #436 B.P.O.E., the Bloomsburg American Legion Post #273, the former Rescue Fire Co., a past-president of the Bloomsburg Ambulance Assoc., and a baseball coach for the Bloomsburg Teener League. Robert enjoyed spending any of his free time golfing and going to Atlantic City with his wife.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a son: Michael Ketchem on October 30, 2009; a brother: Harold Ketchem, and two sisters: Betty Wertman and Patsy Ketchem.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Ellen (Gearinger) Ketchem; three sons: Robert L. Ketchem and wife, Marci, of Linglestown; Daniel L. Ketchem and wife, Karen, of Rensselaer, IN; and Terry D. Ketchem and wife, Aricia, of Danville; a daughter: Tracy Brown and husband, Craig, of Bloomsburg; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Robert was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Friday, September 28 at 11 a.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Allen F. Acor, officiating. Graveside services will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. A combined VFW/American Legion Group will be providing Military Honors.
Memorial contributions in Robert's name are suggested to the Columbia-Montour Aging Office, Inc., 702 Sawmill Road, Suite 201, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.