Carl Henry Ketchum passed peacefully, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Purcell, Oklahoma, at the age of 84 years 9 months 9 days. Funeral services were held Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel. Interment followed at the Alex Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Henry was born June 4, 1940, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Clyde and Bonnie Bell (Burns) Ketchum.
He was a remarkable spirit whose life journey inspired those around him. Raised in the close-knit community of Alex, Oklahoma, he graduated around 1958 and pursued his education at Murray State College in Tishomingo. With a passion for photography that spanned decades, Henry skillfully captured life’s most treasured moments, from weddings to local sports events, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished.
He retired from The Purcell Register as a newspress foreman after many years, and his dedication to the art of photography was honored with a prestigious 50-year plaque from the Oklahoma Press Association. He also earned recognition from his years serving as a Mason. A testament to his generous spirit, Henry often gifted wedding couples with their cherished memories without charge, exemplifying his profound kindness.
In the tapestry of his life, fate wove in a beautiful partnership with Patty Jean Mann. Their 41 years together were filled with love, laughter and unwavering companionship, a bond that endured even as they faced the heartache of Pat’s passing in 2024. A man of simple pleasures, Henry found joy in fishing and passionately supported his favorite teams—the OU Sooners, the Purcell Dragons and the Alex Longhorns.
His commitment to youth development shone through his role as an assistant Scout Leader and later as a Scout Leader, where his influence reached far beyond mere titles. Yet, above all, Henry treasured his family, embracing every opportunity to share stories and take photographs, ensuring that love and memories were forever captured.
Henry was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Myrtle Fern; his parents, Clyde and Bonnie Ketchum; his life partner, Patty Mann; his son, Mike Ketchum; his daughter, Aunda Mann Wadley; his brothers, James Ketchum, Tommy Ketchum, Wayne Ketchum and Paul Ketchum; his sister, Clydene Williamson and spouse, Leon; his nieces, Jacqueline (Skeeter) Williamson, Mandy Ketchum and Susan Pittman; his nephew, Timmy Ketchum; and his great-nephew, Ryland Ketchum.
Survivors include his daughter, Tammy Mann; his son, Doyle Mann, Jr.; his grandchildren, Jeff Wadley and spouse, Melanie, Tommy Worley and spouse, Rachelle, and Amber “Nicki” Worley and spouse, Jason Frye; great-grandchildren, Kyle Perigo and spouse, Alina, Lane Perigo and spouse, Casey, Hunter Perigo and spouse, Kelsi, Zeke Hughes, Devon Frye, Cassidy Wadley, Mackenzie Wadley, Kaetlynn Frye; his great-great grandchildren, Bentlee Perigo, Gatlin Perigo, Linkin Perigo, Landry Perigo, Castle Perigo, Finnian Perigo, Brinlee Boles Perigo, Everly Perigo and Kaydence Perigo; his sister, Aline Jump and spouse, Kenneth; his sisters-in-law; Alice Ketchum, Shirley Ketchum and Alice Ketchum; his nieces and nephews, Gary Ketchum, Jimmy Ketchum and spouse, Jana, Lisa Ketchum, Tracy Wildman and spouse, Trent, Brent Ketchum and spouse, Rachelle, Kenny Ketchum and spouse, Beth, Jennifer Kudla and spouse, Jay, Tim Stucks and spouse, Betty, Brandi Jenks and spouse, Mike, Tom Ketchum and spouse, Traci, Michael Coles and spouse, Sonya, Steve Williamson and spouse, Mary, Stacy Williamson and spouse, Leonna, Stan Williamson and spouse, Nita Harris, Scott Williamson and spouse, Amy, Robbie Tedder, Jerry Tedder and spouse, Shannon, Kim Pittman and Sandy Saflarski and spouse, Steven; his lifelong friends, Tom McCurdy, Philip “Flipper” Ellison, Travis Swafford, Bobby Word, Rick Colwell, Steve Brown and Bo Perry; and numerous other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in honor of Henry to the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation, 3601 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105, 405-499-0020 or to Alex Public Schools, 209 S. 2nd Street, Alex, OK 73002, 405-785-2605.