David Elliott Ketcham

David Ketcham, 91, a retired U.S. Forest Service executive and a charter member of the federal Senior Executive Service, died on October 18 in St. Simons Island, Ga. Those who knew him remember his gentlemanly demeanor, friendliness and humility.

Born in Clifton Forge, Va., in April 1935, David was the younger son of Kenneth and Meta Ketcham. As a boy, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry from Duke University and went directly into the U.S. Forest Service, where he spent his entire career of over 35 years, advancing from a research entomologist in Walhalla, S.C., to Director of Environmental Coordination in Washington, D.C. He was also a Congressional Fellow in 1969, serving in the offices of Senator Ralph Yarborough and Representative Thomas Foley, later Speaker of the House of Representatives.

David was captivated by the marshes, live oaks, birds and people of St. Simons. Shortly after retirement, he and his wife, Sally, moved there in 1995. In retirement he played tennis several days a week and never lost his love of the outdoors, particularly bird watching. While David was fiercely competitive with a punishing forehand, he always played with grace and a smile. He traveled widely, with favorite destinations including the Amazon region, Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands. He served as an usher at Christ Church, Frederica, for many years. His other passions included his beloved West Highland White Terriers and Duke University basketball.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Sally Ketcham; his parents; and his brother, Leonard. David is survived by his children, Michael Ketcham and his wife, Lori, of Vienna, Va.; Barbara Cuson and her husband, Mark, of Stockbridge, Ga.; and Elizabeth Bartlett and her husband, Andrew, of Lake Worth Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to the staff who cared for him with kindness in his final years at Marsh’s Edge Senior Living Community.

A service celebrating David’s life will be on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church, Frederica, in St. Simons Island, Ga. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the St. Simons Land Trust (sslt.org).