William F. Ketchum

William “Franky” Ketchum, our special cherished (angel, boy, brother, uncle, friend ….) left us on March 7, 2025. Born on November 10, 1961 (our family’s National Holiday), Franky lived a life of bringing smiles and love to everyone he met. He was born in Huntington, West Virginia to Barbara and Bill Ketchum and from the day he was born, Franky was the light of every room he entered. Franky had many loves in his life including showing off his dance moves, singing Elvira or The National Anthem, cookouts with hamburgers (diet coke, chocolate cake, and oatmeal cream pies were a must), going on “dates” with his caretakers (especially with the “other Kathy”), The Dukes of Hazzard, Andy Griffith, Gomer Pyle, swimming and bowling. He always celebrated his accomplishments exclaiming confidently “I did it….I did it”. He also served as the Best Man in his nephew Kenny's wedding, where he wore a special suit with a top hat! 

Franky loved life and he loved his family AND the feeling was more than mutual. Franky’s birthday was always celebrated to the fullest each year. Huge thanks to Audubon Elementary where the staff would sing happy birthday to him, have cake and ice cream, and simply show him just how special he was to everyone he encountered. Franky LOVED the ladies. He never met a stranger and would most likely ask you the Ultimate Question without hesitation…“Are you married?” When asked if he was married, the reply was always the same…”I’m too old.”- one of our many “Frankyisms.” He always ended everything with that BIG SMILE. 

For years, Franky broke the barriers for special needs and showed us all how to live a life courageously with fun and laughter. In his early years, he participated in The Special and Olympics and since 2003 participated in the Down Syndrome of Brevard County’s Buddy Walk where in 2022, he served as Grand Marshal and led the parade in his golf cart with pride. 

His life was filled with loving family and friends who adored him and will miss him dearly. Kathy, Franky’s “person”, sister, primary caretaker, the love of his life, one who loved him fiercely, passionately, and unconditionally will miss him most of all. Franky changed the lives of many, and he leaves a legacy to all of those with special needs and their families. 

Franky was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Bill Ketchum. He is survived by his loving sister, Kathy Ketchum Herbst and her husband, Dan “Herbie” Herbst; brother, Mike Ketchum (Belinda) of Greensboro, NC; sister, Jamie Ketchum of Sarasota, Fl; nephews and nieces: Charlie Griffis, Sissy Rivet (Butch and Dallas), Kenny Herbst (Molli and Cal), Joey Herbst, Matt Ketchum, and Lilly Ketchum; and a cherished cousin, Elaine Young of West Virginia; and many other loving family members.

Kathy extends her heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love, support, and prayers through the years. Your kindness, comforting words and presence mean more than words can express. Special thanks to Kathy B. (Other Kathy), Audubon Elementary, St. Francis Hospice, Down Syndrome of Brevard County, and all of our friends and family who loved Franky as we did……When we see rainbows, we see our Mom and Dad. Franky is now painting rainbows with them, and we rejoice in their union.

Please join Kathy for a Celebration of Life that will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Grace United Methodist Church, 65 Needle Blvd. Merritt Island, Florida 32953. 

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to dsabrevard.org/donate to assist those in our community with Down Syndrome.