Haldon (Hal) Ketcham passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021 at his home. Hal was born on September 27, 1928 in Willard, Ohio to the late Harold and Lucie (Wheeler) Ketcham.
Haldon graduated from Willard High School in 1946 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1949. Haldon was an electrician by trade. He worked at the old B+O Railroad in Willard for 10 years, Midwest Industries, and spent the last 27 years of his working career with R.R. Donnelly. He retired in 1990.
He was the oldest and longest member of the Willard Conservation League. Joining in 1945, he held the President's seat for many years while doing electrical work and keeping it up along with others. He loved that place. Hal was a life member of the NRA and a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder until its closing. He became a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Some of Hal's favorite times were going out West on camping trips, an Alaskan Cruise, and a trip to Europe with his wife, Marj. Another favorite trip was to the 1999 Montana State Trapshoot where he shot with his two sons, Mark and Jeff, and grandson Graham. He loved Montana and his Elk hunting trips. Hal was a member of the Moose, Elks, and VFW where he enjoyed spending time with his many friends. He was an avid Trap, Skeet, and Rifle shooter.
Haldon is survived by: sons, Mark of Missoula, MT and Jeffery and Sharon of Norwalk; daughters, Valerie and Robin Kuhn of Willard, and Karen Kepple of Ontario; grandchildren, Amanda and Scott Seisky, Graham and Jennifer Ketcham, Eric and Gretchen Kuhn, Justin and Emily Kuhn, Benjamin and Bryce Kepple; great grandchildren, Kaylee and Henry Ketcham, Dresden Zielinski, Eli, Avery, Oliver, Oscar, and Iris Kuhn. Hal his also survived by his cousin Margaret-Ann Rogers; several nieces and nephews, Julia, Paul, and Bill Ketcham and Gary Wright; and his closest friend of 85 years, Royden Trimner.
Haldon was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother William; sister Marian Wright; and loving wife Marjory; former wife and mother of his sons, Nancy; and cousin, Malcom Smith.
Dad was one of the good ole boys, always there to help someone in need or give a word of wisdom if needed. He loved his family dearly and his faith ran deep.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio, where there will be a memorial service to follow at 12:30 PM. Memorial contribution may be made to Willard Conservation League or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Paul Wheeler Ketcham - Jan 7, 2022
Dear Jeff, Sharon, and Mark and our entire Ketcham family in Ohio, We send you our heartfelt condolences for Haldon's passing. We're grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with Haldon, Jeff and Sharon and our family in Norwalk and Willard, including Malcolm and the Smith family, in the summer of 2019. We send you our love. Paul, Barbara, Laura and Garrett Ketcham (Portland, Oregon).
John and Audrey Rose - Jan 6, 2022
Thinking of you Jeff and the family as you grieve the loss of your Dad. Prayers being lifted. So glad we both got to know your Dad.
Bob Ayres - Jan 2, 2022
It was certainly a sad surprise to hear the news about Hal. He was a super nice guy, and I always enjoyed chatting with him. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out to the entire Ketcham family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Jack Leitz - Dec 31, 2021
Valerie and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Hal's passing. I considered him to be sharp witted, in possession of a very good memory, and a friend. He will be missed by many.
Johanna Beebe - Dec 31, 2021
So sorry of Hal’s passing! He was a good neighbor and friend. Peace to you Val, your sister , Matt and Jeff. Know that he loved you very much.
Ruby Greer - Dec 31, 2021
So sorry to hear about Hal. Keeping you in my Prayers.
Carol J. Hostetler - Dec 30, 2021
Val and Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Keep the special memories close to your heart.
Larry and Francine Smith - Dec 30, 2021
Keeping Hal's family in our thoughts and prayers. We both worked with him at RRD. He would always stop and talk, he would make a bad day a little better and was a quiet and kind man. May the Lord bless the family with heart warming, and wonderful memories. He will be missed. God bless!
Ken and Cyndi Shoup - Dec 30, 2021
Our prayers are with the family on the loss of Hal. He was always so kind and friendly. We will miss talking with him. He was a great gentleman.
Brian Bevier - Dec 30, 2021
Jeff, Mark, Val and Karen Truly sorry to hear of your father's passing. May he rest in peace!
Shirley Sherck - Dec 29, 2021
Sharon, Jeff and all of Hal's family. Whenever I ran into Hal he always took the time to have a conversation. He was a true gentleman!
Mick O'Brien - Dec 29, 2021
Very sorry to hear about Hal. He will be missed by a lot of friends. I always enjoyed talking to him.
Jeff Danhoff - Dec 29, 2021
Always enjoyed conversations with Hal. He was a good guy, fine shooter, loyal customer. It's always tough to lose a parent but you know Hal touched many people in different ways. Sorry for your loss and he will be missed by many.
Joe and Janene Reiderman - Dec 28, 2021
Valerie, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It sounds as though your Dad was quite a man and that he was thought of greatly by family and friends. What a great legacy he has left behind.
Gary and Rose Pittenger - Dec 28, 2021
Valerie and family We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers hugs and love
Kenny Edgeson - Dec 28, 2021
Valerie, Karen and the rest of the family, sorry for your loss. Met him a long time ago through the girls and worked with him at RRD. Such a kind and quiet individual who could always be counted on when I had an electrical problem on the press and always had time to talk to you even if he didn’t know you very well.
Linda and Mike Veletean - Dec 28, 2021
Hal was one of my favorite people to talk to when I worked at the Presbyterian church. Always had time to talk and always had a smile on his face. Prayers for all of you. This is never an easy time.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Dec 28, 2021
To Hal's Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We met Hal when we moved to Willard and joined the First Presbyterian Church. We loved talking to him. He always had a smile and had such a witty personality. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Dec 28, 2021
To Hal's Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We met Hal when we moved to Willard and joined the First Presbyterian Church. We loved talking to him. He always had a smile and had such a witty personality. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Jacki wiles - Dec 28, 2021
I will miss watching Haldon drive out of his driveway to go to Uncle Dudley’s every morning. He was a good neighbor and friend.
