Dr. George Ketcham

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Dr. George Ketcham, professor emeritus of Southeast Missouri State University, passed away at his home in Springfield on Friday, May 31, 2019. He was 90 years old. He passed in his sleep peacefully.

His sister, Virginia Cushing of Kansas City, Missouri, and his son, Charles Ketcham of Springfield, survive him.

George was a history professor at Southeast from 1959 until he retired in 1990. During his time there, he served as the History Department chairman, division chairman of History and Social Sciences and as dean of the College of Social Sciences. He was instrumental in starting new programs at Southeast, including a historical preservation degree and his most proud achievement of starting a Criminal Justice Department.

His doctorate dissertation was about the early formation of police departments in the United States. He served on the Kansas City Police Department doing research and analysis, working there between semesters while a student.

He was an avid antique firearms collector from an early age. He enjoyed restoring antique guns and building reproduction rifles. One of the more popular classes he taught was on the history of firearms for the historical preservation program.

He also enjoyed painting and started out intending to be an artist as his parents were. While his professional goals shifted, he continued to paint for enjoyment and relaxation.

There will be no public service.