Thomas W. Ketchum
Thomas Wayne Ketchum, 73, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27th at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place 3:00 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Contributions may be made to Central Auto Racing Hall of Fame & Museum, 4933 N Potter Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64119.
Thomas was born August 2, 1943 in Weaubleau, Missouri, the son of True Thomas and Charlene (Cox) Ketchum. He was a US Army veteran and served stateside as a medic during the Vietnam War. For over 35 years, he was the storekeeper at the Lake City ammunition plant. Thomas enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and square-dancing with his wife. His real passion was auto racing and he was very active with the Central Auto Racing Boosters.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Merlan; four nephews: Donnie, Derrick, Tommy, and Rodney; eight nieces: Theresa, Jeanne, Jamie, Tina, Jennifer, Darlene, Terry Lee, and Kimberly; nine great-nephews: Taylor, Gerald, Collin, Conner, Colt, Clayton, Joe, Danny, and Robby; and nine great-nieces: Brittney, Austin, Jennifer, April, Amy, Alexa, Delaney, Kelsey, and Amber. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Noble Dean and Noel Truman Ketchum.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-8600