William R. Ketchen, 97, a 60-year resident of Whitman died Sunday, Feb. 12 after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of 72 years to the late Marion (Wyman) Ketchen.

Born in Boston and raised in Plymouth, he was the son of the late William and Ethel (White) Ketchen and a graduate of Plymouth High Class of 1933.

William had worked for more than 24 years at the former Fore River Ship Yard, later owning Town & Country Cleaners of Rockland and Crystal Cleaners of Stoughton before founding and operating along with his wife Marion, Ketchen Cleaners of Whitman for more than 25 years.

He had been a communicant of the Holy Ghost Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus of Whitman.

He was an avid fan of all the Boston sports teams particularly the Red Sox and truly enjoyed the opportunity to see them play at Fenway Park. He was a talented cribbage player and loved the challenge of a good cribbage game.

He leaves his children Robert Ketchen and his wife Janice and Richard Ketchen and his wife Donna all of Whitman, and his sister-in-law Claire Ketchen.  He also leaves nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Ronald and Gail Ketchen and brother of the late John Ketchen, Marguerite Mills, Miriam Zoccolante, Helen Jones and Roberta Fountain.

His services will be held at 8:15 a.m.Thursday, Feb. 16  from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Route 58 at the rotary) Whitman, Followed by a funeral mass at 9 a.m. in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Visiting hours will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Donations in his name may be made the Boys Club of Plymouth, 9 Resnik Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 or to Old Colony Hospice, 1 Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368.