CHARLOTTE – Willard E. Ketchen, 87, passed away peacefully Sun-day, Sept. 4, 2005, at Atlantic Rehab in Calais. He was born, March 22, 1918, in Wethersfield, Conn., the son of Benjamin W. and Ora (Pomeroy) Ketchen. At a young age, Willard and brother, Ed, had the privilege to meet Charles Lindberg at Brainard Field in Connecticut, shortly after his crossing of the Atlantic. This was the inspiration for both of them to learn how to fly. Willard enlisted in the Air Force in June of 1943. After World War II ended, he pursed a career in aviation. He taught more than 1000+ people to fly during the following 55 years. He held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, Sea Plane Rating for flying fire patrol for the Maine Forestry Department, and was appointed as a Designated Flight Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. Willard is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Laura Otte Ketchen; a son, Earl W. Ketchen, of Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Russell and Raymond Ketchen of Cooper; and a sister, Dorothy Hill of Connecticut. He is survived by his brother, Ed Ketchen and wife, Joan, of Meddybemps; a sister-in-law, Janet Ketchen, of Cooper; a son, James Ketchen and wife, Margaret, of Rapid City, S.D.; two daughters, Charlene Wallace and husband, Carrol, of Calais, April D. Dow and husband, John, of Baileyville; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Sept. 16, at the Meddybemps Church. All relatives and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to made to PAWS, P.O. Box 182, Calais, ME 04619.
WILLARD E. KETCHEN
