Obituary of Brother Eddy Ketchersid

Edmond Ray Ketchersid, fondly known as Bro. Eddy, 86 of Farmers Branch, Texas, passed away on May 9, 2023. He had been in the loving care of his adored wife and children.

Bro. Eddy was born in Hardeman County, Texas to Owen and Bessie Ketchersid on November 28, 1936. He grew up on “The Farm” with his mother, father and two sisters and graduated from Crowell high school in 1955. Bro. Eddy moved to Amarillo to continue his education at Amarillo College and to attend the Amarillo Bible Training Work where he met his wife, Odilla Verlen Hayes. He graduated from Amarillo College, was ordained into the ministry and got married in the summer of 1957. Bro. Eddy and Verlen moved to Abilene to work with the Palm Street Church of Christ and complete his education at Abilene Christian College. After graduating from ACC in 1959, Bro. Eddy, Verlen and their newborn son, Allen moved to South Houston to serve as the minister of a church plant that came to be known as the Main Street Church of Christ. There, they fostered a thriving church community while building their family. While in South Houston, his ministry extended beyond the four walls of the church to include the South Houston Bible Training Work which helped equip and educate preachers, ministers and lay leaders. Bro. Eddy has influenced generations of disciples. While in South Houston, Bro. Eddy and Verlen welcomed five more children: Karla, Tim, John, Elizabeth and Vivian.

In 1988, the Farmers Branch Church of Christ was searching for a new Senior Minister and Bro. Eddy answered the call. In 2000, Bro. Eddy transitioned to Community Minister at The Branch Church and served as community liaison continuing his good Kingdom work. He retired after 65 years in the ministry in December 2022. Eddy and Verlen loved and served the church in many ways, but one of the most impactful was the way they blessed and ministered to everyone by opening their home to share a meal and fellowship.

While in Farmers Branch, Bro. Eddy was passionately involved in community life and development and worked tirelessly to make the city and “Metrocrest” better. He was involved in the Farmers Branch and Metrocrest Chambers of Commerce, Lifeline Chaplaincy, the Annual Red Ribbon Event, the C-FBISD (the local school district) Foundation, the Rotary Club. As part of the Metrocrest Ministerial Alllaince, he helped start the Metrocrest Prayer Breakfast in 1991. That prayer breakfast has continued through many decades and included local church leaders as well as notable speakers including politicians, celebrities and athletes. He was the Farmers Branch City Chaplain for 23 years from 1996 to 2019. He was twice recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce. November 2001 was declared as Eddy and Verlen Ketchersid Month for their work in the community. January 31, 2003 was officially declared “Brother Eddy Ketchersid Day” in the City of Farmers Branch by Mayor Phelps. Then again February 23, 2023 was officially declared the “Brother Eddy Ketchersid Appreciation Day” in the City of Farmers Branch by Mayor Glancy.

Bro. Eddy was also a published author, writing “Ten Commandments of Leadership Networking” and “Networking Nuggets”. He was passionate about sharing his profound knowledge and experience in meeting and knowing people, and helping others to live their fullest lives. He never stopped preaching, sharing the good news and generously giving of his time, talent and treasure to all in his city and beyond.

Eddy is preceded in death by his parents Owen and Bessie Ketchersid, his sister Ruby Nell Ketchersid Loe, and his son Allen Ketchersid (survived by his wife, Alice). Bro. Eddy is also survived by his loving wife Verlen Ketchersid, their daughter Karla Kindberg (married Jack),  their son Tim Ketchersid (married Jeanne), son John Ketchersid (married Sherrinda), their daughter Elizabeth Denn (married Tony), and daughter Vivian Smith (married Stuart) along with twenty-five grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Brown.

Psalm 127:3 Sons and daughters are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of the warrior are sons and daughters born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them, they will not be put to shame.

Memorial gifts in honor of Eddy Ketchersid should be made to Christian Relief Fund (www.crf.org).

Funeral Services are entrusted to The John P Brooks and Family