Phillip Dale Ketron

Phillip Dale Ketron, 83, of Eaton OH, died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Heartland of Eaton. Born on January 11, 1928, at his home in Dixon Township, Preble County OH, he was the son of the late Jacob Lloyd and Jesse Maude (Cail) Ketron. He graduated from Eaton High School in 1946 and lettered all four years in basketball, graduate of Purdue University in 1951 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked 15 years as the Head Herdsman of Purebred Polled Shorthorn farms, for whom he fitted and showed many International Grand Champions. After returning to Eaton, he taught Vocational Agriculture at National Trail High School for 15 years.

Preceded in death by brothers: Vance Ketron in 2007, Myron Ketron in 1988, and sister Pauline White in 2008; stepmother Elizabeth "Betty" (Taylor) Ketron and special cousin Nida (Feathers) Statzer.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Margaret I. (Eickelberger) Ketron; daughter: Lisa Ann and husband Terry Kifer of Canal Winchester, OH; sons: Phillip D. II and wife Laurie A. (Bosel) Ketron of South Lyon, MI, Jonathan S. and wife Lisa M. (Ferris) Ketron of Mason, OH, and Douglas L. Ketron of Canal Winchester, OH. Sisters-in-law: Geraldine M. Ketron of Eaton, Wanda Ketron of Lebanon, OH, Meredith Eichelberger of Salem, MA, Bette Eickelberger of Camden, OH, Juanita Eickelberger, Lillian Bradford and Martha Pond all of Hamilton, OH and Jane Eickelberger of Heath, OH. Grandchildren: Elizabeth and Alexandra Kifer, Andrew and Sarah Ketron, Lauren and Emily Ketron, Keilah and Elijah Ketron. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27, 2011 at the New Hope United Methodist Church, 5367 U.S. Route 35 West, Eaton, OH with Rev. Kathy O'Donnell officiating. Interment will be held in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton with military services provided by the Preble County Honor Guard. Family will receive friends on Monday, June 27, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Pallbearers: Phillip Ketron, Jonathan Ketron, Douglas Ketron, Andrew Ketron, Elijah Ketron, Don Hawley and Terry Kifer. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope United Methodist Church or the Fair Haven Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 6396, Fishers, IN 46038.