Walter "Gene" Ketcham

Walter "Gene" Ketcham Otisville, NY
Walter Eugene Ketcham of Otisville, NY, died Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Westchester Medical Center. He was 86. He was born August 25, 1939 in Middletown, NY the son of the late Charles Ketcham and the late Mildred Wilbur Ketcham.
Gene was a man of warmth, humor, and unwavering love for his family, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Gene proudly served our country in the United States Army. On January 5, 1963, he married the love of his life, Arlene Beebe, in Otisville, NY. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and a strong sense of family that continues to live on through generations.
A hardworking and dedicated man, Gene was the co-owner of Ketcham Fencing, a family business he built alongside his brother. Over the years, the company became more than just a place of work - it became a space where family members gathered daily, working side by side with pride and purpose. Gene was a member of the Port Jervis Elks Lodge #645, where he was affectionately known as "Pickles." He loved fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his family. Always the teaser and storyteller, Gene had a knack for making others laugh - especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who could always count on Pop Pop to be on the sidelines of their games, cheering them on with pride. He was a man who lived fully, laughed often, and loved deeply.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Arlene Ketcham; his loving daughters, Tina Howerter (Charles) and Cindy Rodriguez; his brother, Charles Ketcham (Eileen); his cherished grandchildren, Chris Howerter, Mickey Booth (Keri), Corey Booth (Brittany), Lauren Wall (Brendan), Sean Booth, Jamie Trapani (Jack), Erik Rodriguez (Tori), and Peter Rodriguez (Brittany); and his great-grandchildren, Levon, Jack, Emmett, Maeve, Danny, Sofia, and Jace. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Raymond Beebe; sister-in-law, Blanche Beebe; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his siblings, Raymond Ketcham, Gerald Ketcham, and Marilyn Budd; his son-in-law, Bob Rodriguez; and brothers-in-law, Robert and Walter Beebe.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 100 East Main Street Port Jervis on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. A memorial service will follow at 12 at the funeral home. Cremation was held at the MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are by the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.