Willard H. Ketchum, 92, of Manlius, NY passed away while holding the hands of his precious wife and surrounded by loved ones. Born in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late Lacy and Ernestine Holyoke Ketchum. He attended Purdue University for a year before enlisting in the Army where he served in the Signal Corp in China during WWII. Following the war he completed his education at Syracuse University, graduating from the Engineering School in 1949. He was an avid SU Basketball fan.
Will was a Professional Engineer and Regional Design Engineer for the NY State Department of Transportation Region 6, retiring in 1988 after 40 years of service. He served on the Town of Manlius Planning Board for 20 years.
He was a member of the Manlius United Methodist Church where he served as Trustee many years and served on various committees. He and his wife hosted Bible Study in their home for 22 years. Will earned his Eagle Scout, was past Master of Hornellsville Masonic Lodge 331, served on the Board of Maple City Loan and served as the City Engineer for Hornell.
Will was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was a hero to his daughter Nancy and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; two daughters, Nancy Ketchum Montague (William) of Panama City, FL and Mary Harridge of Florida; special niece, Judith Withrow (Warren) of Williamsburg, VA; brothers, Donald H. (Mary Jo) of Elma, NY and Robert H. (Patricia) of Cambridge, MA; five grandchildren, including Laura Patricia Montague and Joshua Willard Montague; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 8th at the Manlius United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Manlius Village Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Crouse Hospital, 4th floor cardiac for their kindness and prayers.
Contributions may be made to the Manlius United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 177, Manlius, NY 13104, the Boys & Girls Club of America, 1275 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 or the charity of your choice.