Paul Edward Ketchum died May 2, 2023, in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 72 years 9 months 18 days. Memorial Services were held Monday, May 8, 2023 at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made, and service livestreamed at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
Paul was born July 15, 1950, in Middleberg, Oklahoma, to Clyde and Bonnie Bell (Burnes) Ketchum. He was the youngest of seven siblings, raised in Alex, Oklahoma, graduating in 1968.
In 1969, Paul married Judy Langford and together they had three children. Later in life, Paul married Alice Heinen in 1999 and they made their home in Purcell.
After graduating high school, Paul had a short stint in the oil field before starting his own construction company, which he operated for many years before returning to the oil field where he held many positions and titles. For many years, he also owned and operated a handyman and painting business where he served many neighbors in the surrounding areas.
Following retirement from Cactus Drilling, as a Drilling Superintendent, he continued his handyman and painting services. Later Paul and Alice, along with other family members, opened a family-owned restaurant locally in Purcell.
Paul’s hobbies included fishing, cattle farming, tractors, camping, hunting, and anything outdoors. He enjoyed watching “Gunsmoke,” or as he told his granddaughters “cowboy cartoons,” the Dallas Cowboys and Sooners football and watching his granddaughters compete in sporting activities. He loved spending time with his family on any occasion, and visiting with his siblings at any chance he could. Paul enjoyed his time discussing the local news and drinking coffee with customers and friends at the All In Diner.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Bonnie Ketchum; his siblings, Wayne Ketchum, Tommy Ketchum, James Ketchum and Clydene Williamson; his nieces and nephews, Timmy Ketchum, Mike Ketchum, Jacqueline Williamson, Mandy Ketchum and Susan Pittman; and his great-nephew, Ryland Ketchum.
Survivors include his wife, Alice Ketchum of the home; his son, Brent Ketchum and wife, Rachelle, of Edmond; his daughter, Jennifer Kudla and husband, Jay, of Austin, Texas; his son, Kenny Ketchum and wife, Beth, of Norman; his daughter, Brandi Jenks and husband, Mike, of Lexington; his 10 grandchildren, Taylor Iago and husband, Tyler, of Tuttle, Dalton Ketchum of Edmond, Catherine Ecker of Norman, Alie Holler, Destiny Holler, Hannah Holler, Braley Saunders, Maddie Jenks, Emilee Jenks and Haylee Jenks, all of Lexington; his great-granddaughter, Teagan Iago of Tuttle; his siblings, Henry Ketchum and wife, Pat, of Purcell and Aline Jump and husband, Kenneth, of Rush Springs; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Ketchum and Alice Ketchum; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
