Kenneth Robert Thomas

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

Kenneth R. Thomas was taken to his Heavenly Home on March 27, 2026.

Ken was born in Scranton, PA, the son of Thomas M. and Irene D. Thomas on February 1, 1929. 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. They shared a God honoring life together until her Heaven Homegoing on February 13th, 2000. They were blessed with two children: David and Teri.

During his adult life, Ken served in his churches in both PA and NY as an Elder, Decon, Worship song leader, and/or adult Bible teacher. While living in Philadelphia area, Ken served at the Skid row Mission Ministry and at a mission for Military personnel in Aberdeen, MD. After moving to the Utica area, he served for many years as a Director and Treasurer of the Utica Area Teens for Christ Youth Ministry.

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

Ken was predeceased by his parents; wife Doris J. Gilbert Thomas; brother Thomas A. and his wife Ada K. Thomas; sister Audrey G. and her husband Frank N. Underwood.

Burial arrangements are being handled by the Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Memorial Park in Clinton, NY at the convenience of the family.