Ervin P. Ketchem, 92, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018, at his residence. Ervin was born in Elgood, W.Va., to the late George Denny Ketchem and Katie B. Holden Ketchem. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Crow Ketchem; his second wife, Mary B. Ketchem; his daughter, Linda Strickland; two brothers, Aven Ketchem and Arvin “Toad” Ketchem; and four sisters, Alberta Szkiresak, Irene Bates, Clara Lyons and Shirley Carter.
Ervin retired as a salesman for Paty Lumber Company after 50 years of service. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and enjoyed golfing.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Tony P. Ketchem, Elizabethton; a granddaughter, Mary Edminson, Johnson City; and two great-grandchildren, Austin Edminson and Gunner Edminson. Nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of Ervin P. Ketchem will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, January 19, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Ron Owens officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of Paty Lumber Company and his special friends. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Amedisys Hospice, 1500 West Elk Avenue, Suite 202, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Ketchem and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information and Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.