Robert M Ketchel

robert ketchel
Robert Malloch Ketchel of Oakton, VA, passed peacefully on July 8, 2017, surrounded by his family. He is the loving husband of Jean Ketchel and father of Holly (Julian O'Rear) Ketchel.

Robert was born September 4th, 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois to immigrant parents from Norway and Germany. He excelled in sports, particularly baseball. He was awarded an athletic (baseball) scholarship to Lafayette College in Easton, PA. In 1953 he pitched his Lafayette College team through round 5 of the College World Series. He graduated from Lafayette in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, the first in his family to attain a college degree. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of lieutenant; serving on the U.S.S Epperson DDE 719, a Gearing class destroyer in service during the Korean War. In 1954, he and Jean Cramer were married in Estherville Iowa. They resided in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as he completed his Navy service. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked for General Electric in New York and California, in nuclear sales and as a DOE/NRC liaison on nuclear issues.

Interment at Andrew Chapel Cemetery with military honors will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or to Lafayette College (development.lafayette.edu).

Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

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  1. I will miss you Dad! I have fond memories of you, your love of life and humor. When I was a kid you used to organize ball games for all neighborhood kids. You taught me to ride a bike. You taught me girls can do anything. Rest in Peace.


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