Robert S. Ketchum ’59

Bob died May 18, 2019, following a brief illness. Born in Detroit, Mich., he graduated from Birmingham High School. While there he met Marilyn Benson, whom he would later marry.

At Princeton Bob majored in the Woodrow Wilson School, was commodore of the Princeton Sailing Team, ate at Cloister Inn, and was a member of the Whig-Clio Society. Senior year he roomed with Chuck McNary and Jack Herman.

After Princeton, Bob married Marilyn in August 1959. Following graduation from Harvard Law School he joined the Detroit-based firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone in 1962, where he practiced for 41 years, reaching senior-partner status and specializing in estate-planning law. The Ketchums had two sons, Andrew ’84 and Edward. Bob and Marilyn were members of St. James Episcopal Church in Birmingham, where they sang in the church choir for many years. Bob also served as a lay reader.

Bob was elected to the Birmingham Board of Education in 1974, serving as president in 1977. He was also president of the Birmingham Lions Club.

Bob and Marilyn moved to Wilmington, N.C., in 2003 after his retirement. They enjoyed extensive traveling, including an around-the-world cruise in 2014.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his sons; and two granddaughters. We have sent condolences.