Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Herschel.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Herschel Ketchem
Herschel LeRoy Ketchem, 79, of Chrisman passed away on April 12, 2012 at the V.A Hospital in Danville, IL. Herschel was born January 15, 1933 in Metcalf, IL to Alvin and Rosa (Chapman) Ketchem. He married Rosalie Newhart in 1955 and had two daughters, Laura (Robert) Bogue and Jayne (Tim) Brown, both of Paris. She preceded him in death. On November 3, 1967, he married Ruth Ann Wright. She preceded him in death on May 6, 1999. From this union he is survived by two daughters, Kimberly (Doug) LeLoup of Chrisman and Alice Ketchem (Eric Otto) of Indianapolis. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Rusty (Ann), Bradley (Danielle), Riley, and Casey Bogue, Travis (Shanda) Brown, Lyndsey (Derek) Norman, and Tyler and McKenzie LeLoup; five great-grandchildren: Brodix, Kindall, and Mary Jo Bogue; and Jolie and Bristol Brown; and two sisters, Shirley (Bud) Haddix of Chrisman and Barbara Todd of Watseka. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Russell. Mr. Ketchem served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955, attained the rank of Staff Sgt., and completed an overseas tour of duty from 1952-1953 during the Korean War. He worked at Leath Furniture Store in Danville, IL until its closing and later retired from Newport Army Ammunition Plant in 1999. He graduated from Reppert Auction School in 1950 and this became his lifelong passion. Whether auctioning from the block or bidding with his lucky number 13, Herschel enjoyed the thrill of a bargain! He was a member of the Lions Club, Chrisman American Legion Post #477, Paris V.F.W. Post #3601, Paris Masonic Lodge #268 for over 50 years, and a member of the Ansar Shrine. He served for 16 years as commissioner on the City of Chrisman board. Herschel never met a stranger and enjoyed conversations with his pals at area restaurants. He enjoyed music and unbeknown to many, could play piano by ear. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Krabel Funeral Home in Chrisman from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Masonic services starting at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Chrisman with military rites by the Chrisman American Legion Post #477. For those who wish, memorials to Danville VA Palliative Care Unit where he and his family were treated with the utmost care and respect.
