William Thomas Ketchum III

"Bill", 90, passed away on March 12, 2015 at Kindred Hospital in Westminster California. Born May 27, 1924 in Urban, Clay County, KY, he was the son of William and Gertrude Ketchum. Bill was orphaned at 5 years of age, and was raised in the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville, KY. At the age of 17, he entered the Army Air Corps, and served his country as a gunner in WWII battles including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged while serving in Japan. Bill remained in Japan, where he started and managed an import/export business for several years prior to returning to the United States. The Masons played a prominent role throughout Bill's life. In 1949, he became a 32nd degree Mason and member of Valley of Tokyo Orient of Japan Scottish Rite. In 1974 - 2015, Bill was affiliated with Valley of Long Beach Orient of California Scottish Rite. In 1955, he married Gwen Eppard, and they made their home in Los Angeles County, California. Bill worked for 30 years at Autonetics/Rockwell as a Program Administrator & Quality Assurance Manager before retiring in 1988. Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law (Debbie and John Alder), grandson (Chad), granddaughter in-law (Tina), two great grandchildren (Kyle and Sydney), extended family, and many friends. A private memorial service will be held at Friends Church Chapel in Yorba Linda, California.