Elmer Ray Katcham

Elmer Ray (Buddy) Ketcham passed away on February 21, 2011 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born to Simon James Ketcham and Rosa Bell Thomas Ketcham in the Wattensaw community of Lonoke County on December 16, 1922. Buddy resided for 55 years in North Little Rock and was employed as a mechanic for Chrysler-Plymouth dealerships for 35 years. As a member of The Greatest Generation, Buddy joined the CCC at age 17 and served in Bountiful, Utah. At age 20 he served his country with honor and distinction during World War II in Ipswich, England. Buddy and Ella attended Baring Cross Baptist Church for over 50 years and Central Baptist Church the last 5 years they lived in North Little Rock. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ella Grace Legate Ketcham, and by his two sons, Mark Ketcham and wife, Becky, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Larry Ketcham and wife, Fonda, of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Lauren Ketcham Hug, and Andrew Ketcham of Austin, Texas; Tami Ketcham of Arcata, California; and Martin Ketcham of Portland, Oregon, and two great-grandchildren, Xander and Ella Grace Hug. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2011 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel (501-791-7400). The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, after the service. Private interment at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 10411 W. Markham, Suite 1130, Little Rock, Ark. 72205-1409. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.