Raymond Anton Ketterman

Raymond Anton Ketterman was born on May 20, 1936, in Westphalia, Texas, and passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at his home in Temple, surrounded by his loving family.

The seventh of eight children born to Joseph and Mary (Rabroker) Ketterman, Raymond grew up in a countryside bungalow alongside his siblings, earning the nickname “Skeeter” as a boy. At age 23, he served six months of active duty in the Army Reserves. In 1961 he met Betty Jo Pechal, and the two married on April 24, 1965, at the Church of the Visitation in Westphalia. Their union of sixty years was blessed with two daughters, Shirley and Jo Ann. Together they created countless memories dancing at local halls and cheering for the Temple Wildcats. Raymond took quiet pride in tending his yard with colorful landscaping and seasonal decorations.

He worked for more than twenty-five years at the Chupik Corporation before partnering with Betty in their Craft Consignment Shop. A founding parishioner of St. Luke Catholic Church, he later served as its caretaker and, with Betty, faithfully led the pre-Mass Rosary for many years. His Catholic faith and his family remained the center of his life.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was dearly known as “Papo,” always ready to cook breakfast, play quarterback in the front yard, or join in whatever fun they dreamed up. His gentle kindness touched everyone who knew him. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lawrence, Alois, and Ervin Ketterman, sister Sister Miriam Ketterman, a stillborn sister, and son-in-law Michael Tuck. He is survived by his wife Betty Jo, daughters Shirley Hannon and husband Mike, and Jo Ann Hodges and husband Chris, all of Temple; his sister Angeline Gerick and brother Robert Ketterman, also of Temple; twelve grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.