Kenneth Charles Thumma

World War II Veteran, Builder and Father

Kenneth C. Thumma, 100, formerly of Millersville, Pennsylvania, and later of Los Angeles, California, passed away at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025.

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Dorothy (Senft) Thumma; his son, Barry L. Thumma; and his parents, William A. and Effie (Brothers) Thumma. He was also predeceased by his brother, William E. Thumma (wife June), and sisters Corinne Herr (husband Kenneth) and Allene Beck (husband Fred). He is survived by his daughter, Holly A. Thumma of Alexandria, Virginia; his son, Dale E. Thumma of Los Angeles, California and his son-in-law, Jonathan A. Winograd. Also surviving are his daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Metzger) Thumma of Lancaster, two granddaughters, Autumn Thumma and Meagan Jacobs and nine great-grandchildren.

Born on October 27, 1925, Ken spent his early years in Pequea, Conestoga Township, in Pennsylvania, where his father was foreman for the Pequea Coal Company. Growing up along the Susquehanna River, Ken became an avid outdoorsman, developing a love for boating, fishing, and hunting. He was a member of the Laurel Lodge sportsman's club in Centre County.

"Kenny" attended Manor High School in Millersville, where he served as class vice president, participated in student council, and played third base on the baseball team. His senior year was interrupted when he and 15 classmates were called into military service during World War II. The 1944 Trumpeter yearbook was dedicated to these 16 servicemen. Ken served in the U.S. Navy for over two and a half years, training at Bainbridge, MD before deploying on the USS Chiwawa, delivering fuel to Allied forces in the Mediterranean. From Oran, Algeria he served with the LCT (1144) Flotilla 20 during the invasion of Southern France. Returning to the United States he later was Seaman First Class Yeoman aboard the USS Wyoming out of Norfolk, VA. While on leave, he married Dorothy in a candlelit ceremony on December 23, 1945.

Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Ken studied carpentry at Thaddeus Stevens Technical School before founding Kenneth C. Thumma Builders, a company he operated for over 40 years. His craftsmanship was well known, and his homes, particularly in Millersville, are admired still today. In 1966 he was elected President of the Lancaster County Builders Association.

Ken was a devoted husband, father, and community member. He and his wife Dorothy were active in Grace United Methodist Church in Millersville, where they sang in the choir. He volunteered his time and skills to church renovations and community service, including Meals on Wheels. A 32nd-degree Mason with the Charles M. Howell Lodge #496 and a member of the Zembo Shrine Temple, Ken was also involved in the Millersville Lions Club and the town's Bicentennial celebrations.

In the 1960s, Ken and his son Barry took flying lessons, each earning a private pilot's license. Even in retirement, Ken stayed active, working as an appraiser, grocery clerk, and at a local funeral home. He loved gardening, woodcarving, and baseball, cheering for the Phillies and later for the Los Angeles Angels.

In 2011, Ken moved to Los Angeles to be with his son Dale and later became a cherished resident of the CalVet Veterans Home in West LA. He will be greatly missed by his family, and by the devoted staff and his many friends at the Home.

Ken will be laid to rest beside his wife at Millersville Community Church Cemetery in Millersville, PA at a later date yet to be determined. The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the entire staff of the CALVET Veterans Home West Los Angeles. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Veterans Home of California – West LA. ATTN: Donations The Ken Thumma Memorial Fund, 11500 Nimitz Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90049