Louis Melville Kettler

1929 - 2018

Louis Melville Kettler

Richmond, IN - At the incredible age of 89, Louis Melville Kettler went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ. Louis was born on January 8, 1929, to August and Callie Kettler, and was tenth of eleven children. Louis lived in Richmond his entire life and contributed greatly to the community. He married his high school sweetheart, Doris E. Burdette on February 6, 1948, and they were married 68 loving years. Louis & Doris founded L.M. Kettler, Inc, a water well drilling business, in 1952. Together they worked side by side and built a successful business.

From a young age, Louis knew the value of hard work. Starting at age 12, he worked on area farms. While in high school he worked at Purina Chow and then the night shift at Avco where he had an apprenticeship as a Tool & Die Maker. Louis graduated from RHS in 1947. He was a Master Mason, Scottish Rite, a member of Masonic Lodge 196, Murat Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters of Indianapolis, member of Tarum Shrine Club, where he was Past President and Chairman of the Shrine Circus several times. He was Commodore of Richmond Boat Club and Past President of Coon Hunters Club. Louie served on the Wayne County Planning and Zoning Board, member of American Angus Association, member and Past President of Indiana Ground Water Association and given the IGWA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He and Doris were members of Central United Methodist Church.



Louis and Doris enjoyed traveling the world. They visited China, Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Greece, Italy and took their children to many destinations across the US. They also shared many great trips with family to their cabin in rural Canada on the Georgian Bay. Louis was most proud of his well drilling business and handing it down to his son. Many in the family worked for him. Louis believed the greatest thing about 56 years of drilling in Indiana and Ohio is being able to help protect our most precious resources of potable water. BE PROUD OF YOUR PROFESSION - DRILL A WELL.



Louis is survived by his four beloved children: Cheryl (Tom) Kitchin, Richmond; Jennifer (Randy) Sage, Carmel, IN; Jeffrey (Pam) Kettler, Richmond; Amy (Cliff) Brough, Bloomington, IN. Nine Grandchildren were graced with his strength and love: Gregory (Stephanie) Kitchin, Richmond; Laura Kitchin, Barcelona, Spain; Michael Louis (Katie) Kitchin, Richmond; Annie (Kitchin) Eric Bartl, Cincinnati, OH; Abigail (Kettler) Michael Freese, Brownsburg, IN; Kelly (Sage) Taylor Moore, Westfield, IN; Alyssa (Kettler) Shane Shaffer, Bloomington, IN; Brady (Sage) Josh Albrecht, Carmel, IN; and Aaron Kettler, Richmond. Nine Great Grandchildren were blessed with his love: Clare, Connor, Wesley Louis Kitchin (Greg); Grant, Clark, Scott Kitchin (Michael); Reagan Moore (Kelly); Evelyn and Scarlett Shaffer (Alyssa). He is also survived by his seventeen-year-old trusted guard dog Wolf, who was always by his side or on his lap.



Louis is preceded in death by the love of his life, Doris Evelyn Kettler, beloved infant son, Louis M. Kettler, Jr., his parents and 10 siblings.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff at Friend's Fellowship for their care and lively conversations with Louis.



Louis will be incredibly missed and celebrated by all who knew him. His wisdom, a little rough around the edges but soft heart and laugh will be cherished forever. We will miss you wholeheartedly, Dad and Papaw. We can only imagine your strength and abundance in heaven. We are so glad you and Grandma are together again.

Services for Louis M. Kettler will be 11:00 A.M. Friday October 26, 2018 in the Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Chapel, with Pastor John Walker officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. Friends may call 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with Masonic Memorial Services at 7:00 P.M. at Stegall-Berheide-Orr 222 North 10th Street Richmond, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospital for Children 3229 Burnet Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 or 1900 Richmond Road Lexington, Kentucky 40502 and Riley Children's Foundation 30 South Meridian Street Suite 200 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.stegallberheideorr.com.