Obituary of Kenneth Edmund Thomas

Kenneth Edmund Thomas, 74 of Utica, NY was called home on December 27, 2022. Kenneth was born on September 3, 1948 in Phenix City, Alabama to the late George Grimes and Emma Mae Thomas. Educated at Mother Mary Mission Catholic School and later South Garid High School, the teachers throughout his school years would continually share with his mother, Pauline Bass the high level of his intuitiveness and intelligence. Which may surprise some that he was doing taxes for his mother’s real estate clients while in school. When he wasn’t doing taxes he was staging homes and helping within the real estate office. The one big claim to school fame was in 1966 (graduation year), his school won the Alabama Basketball State Championship! Kenneth was a young activist. At the age of 14, he attended the March from Selma to Montgomery with his mother. A mother who was very involved in the civil rights movement, Kenneth would soak up the knowledge. Although he was unable to attend with his mother, Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream '' speech he felt as if he was present. From these experiences, he learned the true values, struggles, challenges and victories of the civil rights journey. After graduation, Kenneth worked at a local drug store for two years. His mother always taught her children to strive for more and never settle. Hence his enlistment into the US Army in 1968 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Serving in Vietnam, he was one of the lucky ones to return home. During his time of service he received the following commendations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 DVC, 2 Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter (M-14) and Expert (M-16). After being Honorably discharged in 1971, Kenneth relocated to Utica, NY to be with his family. He became employed at MA Bell Telephone and later retired from Verizon. He became one of the first employees to have his own office, setting the precedent to get the job “done”. Now with some free time on his hands he took up fishing with Mary Ann and on a few occasions with a couple of buddies they would go to the Thousand Island - rent a boat and it was “game on”. A few of these trips would also be in Canada - going where the fish would lead them. Bigger than fishing was his obsession with crossword puzzles and sports (baseball and football enthusiast). Left to cherish his memories are his siblings: Sara Thomas (Utica), George Allen (Jill) Thomas(AL), Shon Thomas (AL), Christopher Thomas (AL), Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas (AL), Vern Thomas (AL) and Sylvon “Mickey” Thomas (AL); the love of his life for over 30 years, Mary Ann Bullock; special nephews: Michael Thomas (Utica), Tristan Thomas (Japan) and James Sims (Germany); special friends Linda Leggett, Adrien “Red” Mitchell and Alfonso “Pop” Stuckman (deceased); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Kenneth is predeceased by his parents George Grimes and Emma Mae Thomas; mother Pauline Bass; brothers: Terry Thomas, Curtis Thomas and Brian Thomas. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all who have reached out during our time of grief. The memory of Kenneth will never leave our hearts and we wish everyone a blessed New Year