KETCHAM, Robert L. (Bob)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, October 17, 2013 Robert L. Ketcham Bob Ketcham passed away at the VA CLC Hospice Unit on Oct. 12, 2013, at the age of 96. Bob was born in Lapel, Ind., on May 6, 1917. By his early 20s, he had successfully opened a short-order restaurant and game room/dance hall in this small town. Soon after, he was called into service and subsequently fought in The Battle of the Bulge before being captured by German troops and sent to a prisoner of war camp. The camp was later liberated by Russian troops and Bob took off with the Russians, eventually reuniting with American troops at the historic meeting at the River Elbe between Russian and American forces. He received a Purple Heart for his service to the country during this European campaign. In 1947, Bob hopped on a bus and headed west. When the bust stopped in Phoenix, he got off and knew he had found his home. He soon met his future wife Bonnie and settled in Goodyear where they raised five children together. Bob was a manufacturer's rep selling men's apparel in five western states. He loved the freedom of these sales trips in the Southwest and always boasted about how fast he could drive on these rural highways. Bob was intensely competitive and loved all sports, particularly golf. He was a fervent fan of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals and ASU football. He enjoyed gardening and any outdoor activities at either their Goodyear residence or summer cabin home in Show Low. His fondest memories will always be of the summers spent in Show Low and the abundance of company that frequently visited. He always loved a good party and continued to entertain during the last nine years spent living in Prescott. Bob is survived by his children, Mike Ketcham (Andy) of Litchfield Park, Rick Ketcham of Prescott, Vicky Turner (Mike) of Glendale, Kay Colgan (Denny) of Boise, Idaho, and Randy Ketcham of Prescott; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. A service at the Veterans Cemetary will take place at a later date. The family wishes to especially thank the incredibly compassionate staff at the VA Hospice facility for the care they provided during the last five weeks of Bob's life. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary, 131 Grove Ave., Prescott, Ariz. Information provided by survivors.