Paul Martin Ketchum II

March 18, 1943 – April 22, 2026

Paul Martin Ketchum II, affectionately known by friends and family as Marty, hung up his spurs and tipped his hat for the final time on April 22, 2026. Born in Texarkana on March 18, 1943, to Paul and Ruth Ketchum.

A Life of Service and Craft

For many years, Marty was a fixture of the local business community as the owner of Ketchum’s Karpets. He was known as a fair businessman who took pride in his work, providing a foundation for commercial flooring across the area before his well-deserved retirement.

The Legend of "Black Jack"

Beyond his professional life, Marty’s heart belonged to the frontier. An avid hunter and a true cowboy at heart, he found a second family within the Texas Historical Shootist Society. Under the alias "Black Jack Ketchum," he brought history to life with precision, passion, and a quick wit. Whether he was at a competition or sitting around a campfire, Marty loved the comradery and lore of the Old West.

A Heart of Gold

Marty was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna, in 2009. While he missed her dearly every day, he continued to fill the lives of those around him with joy. He was a sweet, loving, and deeply caring man who believed that a day without a laugh was a day wasted. His legacy is one of kindness and a relentless sense of humor that could brighten the darkest room.

Family Legacy

Marty’s spirit lives on through the family he adored and all the friends he enjoyed:Children: Bianca, Cory (along with wife Jessica).

• Grandchildren: Sam, Jim (along with wife Lawana), Lauren (along with husband Andrew), Skylar and Makenzie.

• Great-Grandchildren: Donavan, Annabelle, Rosie, Wolfgang, Violet and Drew.

Services will be held to honor Marty’s life and legacy on May 8, 2026 at 1:30 pm at the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 at the Botanical Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to any charity of your choosing.

One last Marty joke

Why don’t pigs make good drivers… because they hog the road!