Robert “Robbie” Eugene Ketchum passed away July 21, 2025. Robbie proudly served in the United States Army for 29 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major and medic. Robbie graduated from Earlsboro High School in 1980 and later attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He earned a master’s degree during his military service. Among his numerous honors, Robbie was awarded The Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (6th award), and many more awards and medals. He cherished every moment with his beloved wife of 42 years, Shara Louise Ketchum (Kiehn), whom he married in 1983.
Robbie is survived by his wife; his daughters: Rayna Long and spouse Van Long of Jones, OK, and their children Kaylee, Jaxon, Emma, and Tucker; Kendra Garrett and spouse Tyler Gibson of Edmond, OK, and their children Jase, Hali Rose, and Cleo; and Sidney Maltbia and spouse Brent Maltbia of Edmond, OK. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Jo Ketchum and siblings: Karen Gagle and spouse Richard of Bartlesville, OK; Jim Virden and spouse Melissa of Barnsdall, OK; David Ketchum of Indian Beach, NC; Gay Ketchum of Shawnee, OK; Jon Ketchum and spouse Mila of Morristown, TN; Andy Ketchum and spouse Cheri of Oklahoma City, OK; Tricia Smith and spouse Patrick of Indian Beach, NC. He is also survived by 12 nieces, eight nephews, and his three cherished fur babies.
He was preceded in death by his father; his maternal grandparents, Fred and Marjorie Simpson; paternal grandparents, step-grandfather Amos and Letha Mae Young; biological grandfather Enoch Wesley Ketchum, and special relatives Jack and Sue Simpson, Norman and Margie Artherton, among others.
Services were held July 25, 2025, at Choctaw Church of the Nazarene. A graveside service with full military honors followed at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK.
