Larry DeWayne Ketchem

Larry DeWayne Ketchem, 85 of Montezuma, was restored to good health and sound mind on Friday, December 26, at Clinton Gardens, in Clinton, Indiana.

Born on April 28, 1940, in Odon, Indiana, Larry was the youngest of four children. His parents, Vertis J. "Bert" Ketchem and Edith (Johnson) Ketchem and siblings, Naomi, Jack, and Jean Ann, all preceded him in death.

A proud 37-year veteran of the Indiana Army National Guard, Larry retired as Command Sergeant Major of the 38th Infantry Division.

One of Larry's other great passions was the volunteer fire service. He joined the Odon-Madison Township Fire Department with his dad, Bert, chief of the department, and brother, Jack, at the age of sixteen. He rose through the ranks, ultimately, becoming Chief of a department after moving to Parke County, Indiana.

In 1995, he was named Mr. IVFA, the highest award in the Indiana volunteer fire service. Larry was recognized as a 50 member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter's Association. In 2007, he was elected President of the IVFA.

Larry's other honors include two Sagamore of the Wabash awards. One for his service to the State of Indiana during this tenure with the IN National Guard and one for his dedicated service to the IVFA, Legion of Merit for his service with the National Guard, Meritorious Service Award from the Fire Marshal, and he was named a Kentucky Colonel.

Family always brought a smile to his face whether it be his daughters, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren.

Larry married Barbara Edmondson, August 28, 1959. They celebrated 63 years together before her untimely passing in 2023. That union produced two daughters, Jodi (Anthony) Rohr of Montezuma and Jill (Larry) Vandivier of Rockville, four grandchildren, Jared (Alexandria) Rohr of Rockville, Capt. Heath (Samantha) of Clovis, NM, Carly (Quenton) Hill of Montezuma, Lucas (Anna) Vandivier of Terre Haute, four great-granddaughters, Haley, Makayla and Gracelyn Rohr of Center Point, Olivia Vandivier of Terre Haute, three great-grandsons, Jenson and Parker Hill of Montezuma and Aleksiy Vandivier of Terre Haute plus two bonus great-granddaughters Dixi and Gracelynn of Rockville.

Larry attended the Montezuma Christian Church.

Services will be 11 a.m, Saturday, January 10 at the Montezuma Christian Church, 1081 N Jefferson St., Montezuma, IN, with Greg Goodrick officiating. Burial will follow at the West Union Cemetery, with full military honors. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, January 9 at the church. IVFA and IVFAA Memorial Services will be at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either the Montezuma Christian Church or Operation Honor Guard. Envelopes will be available at the church.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Clinton Gardens for their loving care given to Larry, especially during his final hours.