Graveside services for Mr. Albert M. “AL” Ketcham, age 93, will be conducted Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Pastor Alex Hoffner officiating.
A Memorial Service will also be conducted on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tullahoma at 3:00 PM with Pastor Alex Hoffner officiating.
Mr. Ketcham passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Southern Tennessee Medical Center in Winchester, TN.
Al was born August 21, 1919 in Locust Valley, New York the son of the late Charles A. Ketcham and Hilda Johnson Ketcham.
He spent most all of his adult life in New York, a fact that he was very proud of. When asked where he was from, he would often stretch out his arm and demonstrate the numerous locations he and his wife, Muriel had visited and lived. Since her death in July 2009, whenever he spoke of his loving bride, Muriel, he would always say “60 years, 10 months, 10 days, and the love story continues”. If you had the opportunity to meet Al, at some point, he would try to teach you his famous “train whistle”; however, very few accomplished this and certainly none like Al. In earlier years, he was an avid bowler, cabinet maker and at one point, a volunteer fireman. He enjoyed playing dominos and participating in the handbell choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was a member for over 15 years.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Muriel Alice Ketcham, he is preceded in death by a sister, Ellen Blessin.
Survivors include two daughters, Elise Farris and husband, Herman of Manchester; and Elaine Ketcham Caltrider and husband, Lou of Apex, NC; 5 grandchildren, Jason Laxson and wife, Tiffany; Becky Shelton and husband, Glenn; Karen Gold and husband, Phil; Eric Horton and wife, Mojan and Bryan Horton and wife, Lindsay; nine great-grandchildren; Kristen Shelton; Alexandria Shelton; Emily Shelton; Brandy Gold; Hunter Gold; Kamyar Horton; Lily Laxson; Neysan Horton and Edward Horton; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church-Music Program, 705 Wilson Avenue, Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Coffee County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
