In Memory of Kenneth R. Thomas

Obituary

Kenneth Robert Thomas (February 1, 1929 – March 27, 2026)

Kenneth R. Thomas was taken to his Heavenly Home on March 27, 2026, at the age of 97 years old.

Ken was born in Scranton, PA, the son of Thomas M. and Irene D. Thomas. He graduated from West Scranton HS in 1946; Indiana Institute of Technology (BSChE); Drexel University (MBA) and studied Bible at the Philadelphia College of Bible. Ken was a WWII US Army veteran serving in the occupation of Japan. He worked for General Electric, spending most of his career in Reliability and Quality Assurance Management on Military and Space programs and was an ASQC Certified Quality Engineer retiring in December 1990.

Ken married Doris J. Gilbert, on November 29, 1952, in Scranton PA. They shared a God honoring life together until February 13^th, 2000 when her Lord called her home. They were blessed with two children: David and Teri. After his beloved Doris’ passing, Ken was married to Nancy A. Harralson until her passing on December 11, 2013.

During his adult life, Ken served in his home churches in both PA and NY as an Elder, Deacon, Worship Song leader, and adult Bible teacher. While living in Philadelphia PA area, Ken served at the Skid row Mission Ministry and at a mission for Military personnel in Aberdeen, MD. After moving to the Utica NY area, he served for many years as a Director and Treasurer of the Utica Area Teens for Christ Youth Ministry. Most recently, Ken moved to Springfield MO with his daughter and son-in-law to enjoy his later years with them and to be near his grandchildren and precious great granddaughter.

Ken is survived by his son David G. and wife Bonnie Thomas of Fayetteville, NY; daughter Teri L. and husband Denis Kozak of Springfield, MO (formerly Whitesboro, NY); his grandchildren and precious great granddaughter who affectionately called him GGPa. Grandson Aaron R., wife Jennifer Kozak and great granddaughter Aria of Springfield, MO; Granddaughter Leah J. Kozak of Overland Park, KS; and Grandson Austin A. Kozak of Whitesboro, NY. He is also survived by his brother Robert H. Thomas of Dunmore, PA, multiple nieces and nephews and Nancy’s family members.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was predeceased by his brother, Thomas A. and his wife Ada K. Thomas, his sister Audrey G and her husband Frank N. Underwood.

Burial arrangements are being handled jointly by the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd, Springfield MO and Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services in New Hartford, NY. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Memorial Park in Clinton, NY at the convenience of the family. 

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.