Henry Edward Ketcham

Henry Edward Ketcham, “Hank”, of West Valley City, returned to his Heavenly Home on March 29, 2022, at the age of 75, lovingly surrounded by his wife and children.

Henry was born on November 27, 1946 to Harry Mack Ketcham Sr. and Clarissa Edwards Ketcham in Catskill, New York. He grew up on a farm with his siblings, Clarissa Leslie, Stewart Lyman, and Harry Mack Jr. After Henry graduated from Greenville Central Rural School in 1964, he went on to study Business Administration at Cornell University. He later received his masters at Valdosta State College and doctorate at Southern California Institute of Law. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969, where he flew a T37 training jet, promoted to the rank of Major, and received numerous commendations during his 20 years of service.

In 1980, Hank met the love of his life, Darla Rae in Ventura, California. They married and blended together a beautiful family with their children from previous marriages. Henry’s daughters, Hilary Ebera and Huntly Elissa, with Darla Rae’s daughters, Tracy Lee, Lisa Rae, Cassandra, and Heidi Marie. Henry and Darla went on to have three more children together, Holly Ariminda, Krista Clarissa, and Edward Leslie. Henry was very proud of his large family and dedicated his life to generously providing and caring for them and anyone else in their time of need.

Hank joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1977 and was baptized in a swimming pool in Ojai, CA. He was so very proud to be called a member of such a wonderful organization and church. He spent his life actively participating and volunteering in service projects as well as the ward choir, scouts, girls camps, attending the temples, and doing family history work.

Hank suffered a massive stroke in 2005 and battled the effects of this stroke for over 16 years with the loving support and care of his dear wife, who was his biggest champion. He will always be remembered as a strong, passionate man with big emotion- he loved big, he cried big, he laughed big, and he hollered big. His infectious laugh and big, bright smile will live on forever.

Hank is survived by his wife of 41 years, “Darling Darla”; children, Tracy Williams, Hilary Ianuccilli, Lisa Tilley (Warren), Cassandra Westlake (Dave), Huntly Barry (Branson), Heidi Crawford (Fred), Holly Kjar (Bryan), Krista Jensen (Steven), Edward Ketcham (Ashley); sister, Clarissa Smart; brother, Stewart Ketcham (Toni), 23 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry was predeceased by his parents, Harry Mack Sr. and Clarissa Edwards; brother, Harry Mack Jr.; and stepson Clinton Shane Williams.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2850 W 3835 S, West Valley City, UT on April 8, 2022 at 12 pm with the viewing at 10 am.