STELLA  -  George Lester Ketchum, 97, of Stella, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro Chapel with Pastor Steve Pridgen officiating. Burial will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

Mr. Ketchum was born in Onslow County, NC on January 24, 1929 to the late Charlie Lendolph and Sadie Evans Ketchum.  He grew up in Onslow County and loved to farm and spend time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Ketchum; grandchildren, Wyatt Ketchum and Nicole Blevins; and son-in-law, Charles Morris.

Survivors include his children, Charlie Lester Ketchum (Kathy) of New Bern, Doris Morris of Stella, and George Harvey Ketchum (Debbie) of Stella; grandchildren: Joel, Katie, Chucky, Rebecca, Peanut, Jason, Ryan, Natalie, Ashley, and Garrett; twenty-nine great grandchildren and seventeen great-great grandchildren; and siblings, Lenny Ketchum of Richlands, Janie Ketchum of Richlands, and Doris Venezia of PA.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.