Eugene Alexander Ketchen

Mr. Eugene Alexander Ketchen, Sr. was born January 12, 1928 to the late William Thomas Ketchens and the late Rosanna Ketchens (née Nelson). Ms. Fabiola Cobb tended as the midwife when he was born in his parents' home on Blocker's Lane in Summerville, South Carolina (Berkeley County). On the evening of Sunday February 2, 2025, he peacefully stepped from time into eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was blessed to celebrate his 97th birthday with family and friends on Sunday January 12, 2025, just 3 weeks prior. Eugene was one of ten children; his nine siblings preceded him in death. Eugene had an 8th grade education but was quite learned in the school of life. His mom took him and his younger brother James from South Carolina to New York in 1942 when he was 14 years old. He worked various jobs there; he delivered groceries, made lampshades and was an Assistant Shipping Clerk for Harris Advertising until around 1948. In his 97 years of life, Eugene saw so much take place in the world: the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Apartheid, the Space Race, the Golden Age, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, Nelson Mandela's release from prison, the United States' first African-American President and first African-American Vice President, etc. His personal life was one that included tragedy but many triumphs. Eugene met the woman who would later become his wife of 61 years, Frances Hackett, on a blind date set up by her cousin Johnny Sweetwine. They were married 3 months later by Rev. James A. Polite on August 5, 1950 in Frances' home in the Bronx, New York. They were blessed with four children from their union: Janie, Eugene Jr., Kevin and Carlton. Eugene also had an older daughter from a previous relationship by the name of Gwendolyn. The Ketchen family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania around 1952 at the urging of Brother Thomas Bright and his wife Marian "Ma'Dear" Bright, who were Frances' godparents. The Ketchens built a family home on the Southside of Easton that still stands today. Eugene worked various manual labor jobs including his passion for bricklaying, eventually becoming the first African-American Union bricklayer in the Lehigh Valley. Unfortunately, race relations affected him obtaining a union card in Pennsylvania, and as such, he had to go to South Carolina to receive one. These union cards, once obtained, were recognized in every state. Eugene was quite proud of this accomplishment. His remarkable bricklaying work can be seen in several states including Pennsylvania – such as Schaffer Brewery, in Kennedy Gardens, Avona Heights and at the Greater Shiloh Church chapel. He completed bricklaying work for many of his friends and family in the Lehigh Valley and even for family in New York. Eugene moved on from bricklaying later on in his life and retired from the Delaware River Joint Toll-Bridge Commission (D.R.J.T.B.C.) on January 31, 1993. Eugene was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. He was affectionately called "Poo" by his sons and "Pop-Pop" or "Pop" by his grandchildren. He enjoyed playing 500 Rummy and Solitaire as well as other games (to keep his mind "sharp") on his tablet. Eugene enjoyed traveling and was an avid sportsman who loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed hosting cookouts with his sweetheart Frances, especially summer fish frys that would empty the freezer for the next season. These fish frys were a time to reconnect with loved ones and were heavily attended by family and friends from near and far. Eugene had a wonderful sense of humor and would have you in stitches on any given day. Eugene was a dedicated, long-standing member of Shiloh Baptist Church, later renamed Greater Shiloh Church (GSC) in Easton, Pennsylvania. He gave his life and heart to the Lord at this church. Until his health began to decline, Eugene faithfully attended service at GSC. He loved to sit in the balcony seats, and could be seen each week dressed up, typically in a suit and tie. For many years, Eugene was active in the Easton, Pennsylvania branch of the NAACP with his wife Frances. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Rosanna Ketchens, his wife of 61 years Frances Hackett Ketchen, his siblings Edward, Lomax, James, Marshall, Naomi, Delia Mae, Evelyn, Georgeanna and Corrine. He was also preceded in death by 2 daughters – Gwendolyn Harris and Janie Miles, a son-in-law Raymond Miles and other relatives and respected friends. There are many left to mourn and cherish memories of his life, laughter and love including his three sons Eugene Ketchen Jr. (Cindy) of Gilroy, California, Kevin Ketchen of Allentown, Pennsylvania and Carlton Ketchen of Easton, Pennsylvania; two daughters-in-law: Loretta Ketchen of Nazareth, Pennsylvania and Valerie Corbin Ketchen of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren: Zaid Ketchen of the Bronx, New York, Joshua Miles of Woodruff, South Carolina, Travis Ketchen of Largo, Florida, Ladina Miles (Orlando Layes, Jr.) of Woodruff, South Carolina, Alexander Ketchen of Glencoe, California and Tiffani Ketchen of Nazareth, Pennsylvania; two great-grandchildren: Kallyse Douglas and Kamdynn Douglas, both of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, his treasured friend and fishing buddy Gerald Hamilton "Ham" and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene Alexander Ketchen, please visit our floral store.