Paul Ketchum

     Paul Edward Ketchum died May 2, 2023, in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 72 years 9 months 18 days.  Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.  

     Paul was born July 15, 1950, in Middleberg, Oklahoma to Clyde and Bonnie Bell (Burnes) Ketchum. He was the youngest of 7 siblings, raised in Alex, Oklahoma, graduating in 1968. In 1969, Paul married Judy Langford and together they had 3 children. Later in life, Paul married Alice Heinen in 1999 and 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, Paul continued his handyman and painting services.  Later He and Alice, along with other family members, opened the All In Diner, a family-owned restaurant 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", Dallas Cowboys and the Sooners football and watching his granddaughters compete in sporting activities. Paul loved spending time with his family on any occasion, and visiting with his siblings at any chance he could. He enjoyed his time discussing the local news and drinking coffee with customers and friends at the All In Diner.

    Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Bonnie Ketchum; his siblings, Wayne Ketchum, Tommy Ketchum, James Ketchum, Clydene Williamson; his nieces and nephews, Timmy Ketchum, Mike Ketchum, Jacqueline Williamson, Mandy Ketchum, 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, TX; 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, 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.