Howard "Ed" E. Ketchem

Howard “Ed” Ketchem, age 88, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025. Ed was born on October 23, 1936, in Lyons, Indiana, to the late Howard Edison Ketchem and Maxine (Patterson) Ketchem. He leaves behind a legacy of love, jokes, kindness, and generosity that touched the lives of many throughout the community.

After serving his country as a United States Marine, Ed established his career as a lineman at Duke Energy for 40 years. He went on to channel his love for airplanes by working at the Louisville International Airport for 20 years. After retiring, he spent his time surrounded by family and playing with his great-grandchildren.

Ed, or as most know him as “grandad”, was a deeply dedicated husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and son. To know him was to love him. He rarely met a stranger. Grandad was always the first to crack a joke and keep everyone laughing wherever he went. His easy-going, loving personality will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Howard Edison Ketchem and Maxine (Patterson) Ketchem, and loving wife, Judith (Allen) Ketchem.

He is survived by his 3 children; Mark (Chris) Ketchem, Matthew (Sonya) Ketchem, Kelli Babbitt (Ken Milligan). 7 grandchildren; Abigail (Leiven) Dobson, Jackson (Sydney) Ketchem, Olivia (Brady) Miles, Alexa Ketchem (Vidhi Desai), Sam Babbitt (Amy Standiford), Ben and Maxwell Milligan. His great grandchildren, the lights of his life; Liam, Maddie Jo and Van. As well as his brother; Richard (Sue) Ketchem.

A visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana on Friday, September 12th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday September 13, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

A funeral service in Ed’s honor will take place at the funeral home on Saturday September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.