Paul Arthur Ketner, 84, of Columbus, passed away February 11, 2023. Paul was born to Edward Arthur and Doris (Taylor) Ketner on August 17, 1938. He married Judith Kay Perry on November 17, 1962 at Bethel Baptist Church. Paul was graduated from Columbus High School in 1956, and from Butler University in 1961, with a degree in Business Administration.
Paul is survived by sons Steven (Raquel) Ketner of Columbus, Michael (Emily) Ketner of Hope, and daughter Kristin (Nathan) Lykins of Hope. Also surviving are grandchildren Zachary Ketner, Courtney (Logan) Westerfield, Kayle’, Cameron, Bridgette and Jacob Ketner, and Reilly and Cooper Lykins. Paul is also survived by sisters Elaine and Lynne Ketner, brother-in-law Richard (Anita) Perry, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Paul was predeceased by his wife, his parents, twin grand-sons Dakota and Dominic Ketner, brother Jonathan Ketner and his wife Sara, and niece Kate Perry Miller.
Paul was born a farmer, and following university and marriage to his partner of what would be 60 years, he proceeded to build a successful business. He believed in science, innovation and technology, utilizing those tools to improve his agricultural operations. He was determined to ensure that farmers got a seat at the table, so he directed his energies into organizations representing farmers.
He served several years on the Bartholomew County Drainage Board and Bartholomew County Extension. Paul was elected to the Board of Directors of Bartholomew County REMC where he served as President for 5 terms. He completed the NRECA Board Leadership program. He served on the Hometown Energy Board, a multi-county organization consisting of county REMCs and Premier Ag.
Paul served as president of the Bartholomew County Farm Bureau, was chair of the District 8 political action committee, and eventually rose to become a director of the state Indiana Farm Bureau organization. He was especially proud to participate in the planning and opening of the downtown Indianapolis headquarters building.
He received the county Outstanding Conservation Farmer award, the Rural Service Award, and the state Hoosier Homestead award. Business was pleasure, as well, winning the first Bartholomew County 4-H fair tractor pull in the heavy-weight class driving the 4020 Big Bad John (Deere).
He and Judy were happy to participate in the winter state and national conferences which were part of the various board positions. With family and friends, Paul and Judy traveled the country in their camper. Always active, always working, always with a project, retirement was not something Paul was interested in, and he was proud to be found in the cab of a truck, tractor or combine well into his 80’s.
His final project was the loving care and devotion he showered on his wife during her years-long illness. Once that was accomplished, he was ready for the next step on the journey.
Visitation will be held at Myers-Reed Chapel on Friday, February 17, from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9-10 a.m preceding the funeral.The service will begin at 10 a.m. conducted by Pastors Mark Teike and Tim Carter of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where Paul and Judy were faithful members, and where Paul served for many years on the usher team. Burial to follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Please make any memorial contributions to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
To share a fond memory of Paul or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.Myers-Reed.com.
Myers-Reed Chapel is assisting the Ketner family.
