LTC (Ret.) Charles Erdman Ketring (Chuck)

IN MEMORY OF: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Charles Erdman Ketring (Chuck) Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Charles Erdman Ketring (Chuck), age 96, of Carbondale, passed away at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on September 30, 2025. Chuck was born on January 13, 1929 in Shipman, Illinois to John Henry Ketring and Emma Margaret Coleman. He Married Betty Louise Powell on March 16, 1953 at Fairchild Air Force Base in the state of Washington. He is survived by his children, Deborah (Rick) Upton, William (Elaine) Ketring, Charles (Cyndi) Ketring, and Donna Ketring; grandchildren, Joseph Upton, Melissa (Ben) Henson, and Aubree Ketring (Chase Hancock); great-grandchildren, Maddy Henson, Alex Henson, Layla Upton, Zach Henson, and Katy Henson, along with several nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, John and Emma Ketring; siblings, Elliott Ketring, Adelaide Glasgow, Eugene Ketring, Evanan Fulmer; and granddaughter-in-law, Alicia Cremeens Upton. Chuck was a 1947 graduate of Carbondale High School and attended Southern Illinois University before joining the United States Air Force. He joined the USAF on September 19, 1949, and served as a pilot until his honorable discharge on April 1, 1970. During the Korean War, he served with the 91st Strategic Recon Squadron flying the B-29 from July 1951 until July 1952. In October 1952, he became a member of the Strategic Air Command. He flew the B-36 until November 1956 when he transitioned to the B-52. In 1956, Chuck created quite a commotion in Carbondale when he buzzed the Murdale Airport (Southern Illinois Airport) twice in a B-36. Chuck flew the B-52 for twelve years. He served in Vietnam from November 1968 until November 1969, flying the C-7. His main mission was supporting Special Forces A Camps. After Vietnam, he returned to Travis AFB until his retirement on April 1, 1970. During his time in the Air Force, Chuck accumulated 6,990 hours of flying time. Of his accumulated hours, 915 hours were Combat Flying Time. The family moved to Carbondale in 1970. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Military Officers’ Association. During his retirement he enjoyed camping with his wife in their motor home, vacationing in Branson, and SIU Basketball. Chuck also enjoyed Sunday Suppers with his family. This is a tradition he and his wife started many years ago. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. A Graveside Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to The Air Force Museum Foundation, PO Box 1903, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

LTC (Ret.) Charles Erdman Ketring (Chuck)

January 13, 1929 - September 30, 2025