John A. Ketcham

 Lewistown- John A. Ketcham, 88 of Lewistown, Illinois passed away on July 7, 2015 at Graham Hospital in Canton after a lengthy illness.

He was born May 24, 1927 in Canton, Illinois, the son of Jacob S. and Opal B. Ketcham. He is survived by his wife Charlene of 70 years and two sons, John D. Ketcham of Huntley, Illinois and Michael L. Ketcham of Aurora, Illinois; three grandchildren, John J. Ketcham of Gary, Indiana; Caitlin C. Ketcham of Tucson, Arizona; and Anthony Ketcham of Arizona. Also surviving are a niece Karen Shonkweiler (Larry) of Gridley, Illinois; three nephews, James Higgins (Mary), Eric Higgins (Kathleen), and Michael Higgins all of Manhattan, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

John worked for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad for many years until he retired as Superintendent of Suburban Services, Chicago Region. He was a member of the Illinois Street Christian Church in Lewistown, Illinois where he served as elder. He also served on the Fulton County Board and had been active in the Edgar Lee Masters Ceremonies, the Lewistown High School Alumni Association and was a member of the Historical Society Kendall County, Illinois; and the Masonic Lodge in Galesburg, Illinois. John was a US Navy Veteran serving in WWII.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday July 11, 2015 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with Pastor Bob Miner officiating.  There will be no visitation. We will miss him very much. A military service will be conducted by the Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and the Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Street Christian Church, the Disabled Veterans of America, or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is in charge of arrangements. To send online condolences visit www.henrylange.com.