Kenneth Owen "Ken" Getchey

Kenneth Owen "Ken" Getchey

WEST LAFAYETTE: Kenneth Owen "Ken" Getchey, 67, West Lafayette, passed away on Monday morning, June 1, in his West Lafayette residence, surrounded by his family.

Ken was born in Coshocton, Ohio on December 20, 1947, and was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence R. Getchey, who died in 1955, and Dorothy Maude Blanche Cullimore Getchey, who died in 2003. He was a graduate of Newcomerstown High School, class of 1965. Ken then enlisted in the Navy and spent a career serving his country. He was a parachute rigger and served tours of duty in California, Norfolk, Virginia, and South Korea. He also served aboard the USS Enterprise, the USS Morton, and the USS England. During his time at sea, he participated in the Southeast Asia war games.

After his honorable discharge in 1980, Ken returned to Ohio and spent the next 22 years of his life as a truck driver, driving for several independent companies. He was a member of the Army/Navy Garrison, Coshocton, where he served as Commander. Ken enjoyed flying, playing cards, and going out to dinner with his family and friends. Most of all, Ken enjoyed all of the time he spent with his family.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Judith A. Getchey, Millersburg, and a brother, Anthony R. "Tony" Getchey, Coshocton.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kathy L. Kelly Getchey, West Lafayette, who is also a Navy veteran. Ken and Kathy were married on April 7, 1979. Also surviving are his daughter and her husband, Allysun M. and George Poorman, Newcomerstown, and his son and his wife, Nathaniel A. and Rebecca Getchey, Canton. There are also six grandchildren, Caleb (Liz) Fuller, Samantha Fuller, and Alexandrea Fuller, Newcomerstown, Anthony Poorman, Newcomerstown, and John Burch and Drake Burch, Canton. Ken also leaves his great grandson, Kezdyn M. Fuller, Coshocton. There are also three brothers and their wives, Ronald D. and Judy A. Getchey, Riverside, California, Paul A. and Janice E. Getchey, Monument, Colorado, and Larry E. and Norma J. Getchey, Millersburg. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Brenda Smith, Fresno, and Anthony Getchey, Coshocton; and special friends, Tom Unger, Coshocton, Jim Hedrick, Massillon, and Mrs. Jackie Robinson, Port Washington.

Ken's family also wants to extend their thanks and gratitude to many people who assisted Ken and the family during his time of illness. Special thanks and recognition are extended to the Oncology Department of Coshocton County Memorial Hospital, to Herb Tidrick and the staff at Coshocton County Veterans' Services, to the Health Services of Coshocton County and the Coshocton County Hospice and their nurse, Amy Latham, to Don and Carol Neighbor, West Lafayette, to Dr. Jerold Meyer, Coshocton, who took Ken on his last airplane ride, and to all of the Stringtown neighbors.

To honor Ken's requests, his remains are to be cremated. No public or private visiting hours will be observed. Memorial services for Ken will be held this Sunday, June 7, 4:00 PM, in the Ourant Funeral Home. Pastor Carl Cutlip will conduct the services. Ken's family will receive family and friends at the funeral home on Sunday, beginning at 2:00 PM until the 4:00 PM services. Military services will also be held on Sunday at the funeral Home. These services will be held at 1:30 PM before the receiving of friends. The military services will be conducted by the Coshocton County Veterans' Council.

The family is requesting that memorials be made in Ken's name to the Health Services of Coshocton County (Coshocton County Hospice), 230 South Fourth St.. Coshocton 43812 or to the Disabled American Veterans. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Ourant Funeral Home: 740-498-6422