Allan Godfrey Ketzell II, 81, of Brookside, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 22, 1945, in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Allan Godfrey Ketzell I and Virginia L. Fuchs Ketzell.

A lifelong servant to his community, Allan dedicated his life to helping others through his work, his faith, and his public service. He was a graduate of Bridgeport High School, Class of 1963, attended Ohio University, and later earned his degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Following his education, Allan embarked on a distinguished career as an Ohio funeral director and mortician, serving countless families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. He served as President of the Belmont County Funeral Directors 12th District, Past President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and was widely respected throughout the funeral service profession, serving 42 years with Wilson Funeral Home.

On October 26, 1968, Allan married the love of his life, Patricia Morgan Ketzell. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 57 years, Patricia Morgan Ketzell; his son, Allan G. Ketzell III of Brookside, Ohio, and his life partner, Jessica Snyder, along with her children, Alexandra Miller, Julianna Miller, and Nicholas Miller; his daughter, Dawn Ketzell Boston and her husband, Lloyd Boston, of St. Clairsville, Ohio; his cherished granddaughter, Claire Morgan Daubenmeyer, who was the light of his life; and his bonus granddaughters, Kasey Boston Shaffer and her husband, Ashton Shaffer, and Natalie Boston and her fiancé, Caden Whiteley.

He is also survived by several special cousins and friends, along with many extended family members who will miss him deeply.

A man of deep faith, Allan was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was also a proud member of Masonic Lodge No. 181, Scottish Rite, Osiris Shrine, and the Bridgeport Rotary Club, where he served as Past President.

Allan’s commitment to public service was unparalleled. He served on Brookside Village Council for fifteen years and was a member of the Brookside Volunteer Fire Department for more than sixty-eight years. In 1958, Allan joined as a cadet, serving in numerous leadership roles including Assistant Chief, 1974–1979, and Chief, 1980–1987. He became Assistant Chief again in 1988 and served in that role until the present. His dedication extended throughout Belmont County, where he served with the Belmont County Fire and Squad Officers Association, Southeastern Ohio Fire Chiefs, Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Belmont County 911 Board, EORTA Board, Safety Council for the Bridgeport School District, and as a Tanker Task Force Water Officer. His extraordinary service was recognized with the Distinguished Fire Service Award from the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame.

He was also a proud member of the Bridgeport High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Belmont County Fire and Squad Officers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to the lasting impact he made throughout his lifetime.

Friends will be received for a visitation Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Road, Brookside, Ohio. A Fire Department service will be held at 7 p.m. Friends will be received Monday, August 10, at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brookside Volunteer Fire Department, a cause that remained close to Allan’s heart throughout his lifetime of service.

Allan’s legacy is one of faith, compassion, leadership, and selfless service. Whether comforting a grieving family, answering an emergency call, serving his community, or spending time with those he loved most, he lived a life dedicated to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.