Whitman – William R. Ketchen 97 a 60 year resident of Whitman died Sunday February 12 after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of 72 years to the late Marion (Wyman) Ketchen.
Born in Boston and raised in Plymouth he was the son of the late William and Ethel (White) Ketchen and a graduate of Plymouth High Class of 1933.
William had worked for over 24 years at the former Fore River Ship Yard, later owning Town & Country Cleaners of Rockland and Crystal Cleaners of Stoughton before founding and operating along with his wife Marion, Ketchen Cleaners of Whitman for over twenty-five years.
He had been a communicant of the Holy Ghost Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus of Whitman.
He was an avid fan of all the Boston sports teams particularly the Red Sox and truly enjoyed the opportunity to see them play at Fenway Park. He was a talented cribbage player and loved the challenge of a good cribbage game.
He is survived by his loving children Robert Ketchen and his wife Janice and Richard Ketchen and his wife Donna all of Whitman, and his sister-in-law Claire Ketchen. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Ronald and Gail Ketchen and brother of the late John Ketchen, Marguerite Mills, Miriam Zoccolante, Helen Jones and Roberta Fountain.
His services will be held Thursday February 16 at 8:15 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman, Followed by a funeral mass at 9 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday February 15 from 5-8 PM.
Donations in his name may be made the Boys Club of Plymouth, 9 Resnik Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 or to Old Colony Hospice, 1 Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.blanchardfc.com.