Elroy E. Kettleman at the age of 75 passed from this life into the heavenly presences of Jesus on April 8, 2019 at St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

 

Elroy was born on July 11, 1943 to Lester and Clara (Mask) Kettleman in Salina, Kansas. He and his parents moved to Independence when he was just a young boy.  Elroy completed his education in the Independence schools and joined the Army National Guard.  Soon after high school he gained employment at the cement plant where his Dad was also employed.  Elroy met Pamela Sue Garrett and they were married in 1966 of that union their son Doug was born.  The couple later parted ways.  On April 10, 1971 in Independence he married Barbara Muller. He loved and raised her boys, Carl, Curtis, Jack, Mark and Michael as his own.  Together they had a daughter, Kathy.  On April 30, 2004 after sharing 33 years Barbara preceded him in death.  Never expecting to find love again Elroy met Joyce Ehmke after each had suffered the loss of a spouse.  The last 14 year they have spent sharing life together, enjoying motor cycle rides, ice cream and forming friendships in motor cycle clubs, and church. He once again gained additional family to love and care for with Joyce's sons, Richard, Glenn and Charles.  He was a gentle man, he was dedicated to his faith and family.

 

 

Elroy has always had a passion for riding motorcycles and an interest in fire arms. He has spent countless hours building and modifying bikes over the years.   His family said he had a true republican spirit.  In March of 2019 he was appointed as the Assistant Director of the BTW (Brothers of the Third Wheel) for Kansas. 

 

 

Those left to cherish memories of life shared with Elroy is his companion and best friend, Joyce Ehmke of the home; sons, Doug, Carl, Curtis, Jack, Michael; daughter, Kathy Mandersheid, boys that he loved as his own, Richard, Glenn and Charlie; 22 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, a host of friends and extended relatives.   In addition to his parents and his wife, Barbara his son, Mark preceded him in death. 

 

Funeral services celebrating the life of Elroy will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 1 pm at Dearing Christian Church, 302 Independence Ave., Dearing, Kansas under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Pastor Jamie Regis will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Liberty Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 8 pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS.  The family has suggested memorial contributions be made payable to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P O Box 100 Dept. 14, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, contributions may be left with the chapel.  To leave a message of condolence visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com