Raymond Ketchum

Raymond L. Ketchum, 85, Seneca, MO, passed into eternal rest November 21, 2017 at his home in Rural Seneca after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.     Raymond Lee Ketchum was born September 27, 1932, the son of Raymond Lee Ketchum Sr. and Bessie Lee (Jacques) Ketchum. Ray served his country in the US Army from October 4, 1950 to October 3, 1953 during the Korean War, fighting in Chorwon, Korea and also with the Occupation Forces of Japan.  After returning home he attended Joplin Junior College and then the University of Missouri, Rolla, MO graduating in 1959.  He worked as an engineer at Warren W. Smith in Tulsa, OK, Allgeier Martin in Joplin and was an independent contractor mechanical engineer. He was a member of the Warrens Branch Baptist Church.   Raymond Lee Ketchum married Retha Louise Allen October 24, 1958 at Warren’s Branch Baptist Church north of Seneca, and she survives.   Additional survivors include two daughters Carole J. (Ketchum) Johnson, Weymouth, MA and Anita L. Ketchum, Seneca, MO; grandchildren Andrew & Erika Johnson, Weymouth, MA, David Hurley, Seneca, MO and Morgan (Hurley) Wilson, Neosho, MO   Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Charles D. Ketchum; two brothers, Mardie Walker and Ernie Walker and one sister Nolda Durbin.   The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm, Sunday, November 26th at the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca.    Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Monday, November 27th at the Warren’s Branch Baptist Church with Gary Burrows officiating.  Burial will be in the Hornet Cemetery with Military Rites. Pallbearers will be family and friends.    Memorial contributions can be made to the Warren’s Branch Baptist Church in care of the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, PO Box 380, Seneca, MO 64865