Kenneth Walter Thomas of Flint, Michigan, passed away on November 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and truly epic tales. Born on February 6, 1967, Ken was a proud Flint native who spent his life tirelessly—and sometimes hilariously—dedicated to his family, community, and every Boy Scout badge ever created.
Ken is survived by his loving mother, Charlene Gail Thomas, and his two extraordinary sons, Kenneth Walter Thomas II and Christian Arthur Thomas, who embody his humor, kindness, and knack for mischief. He now joins his father, Arthur Richard Thomas, and his beloved brother and partner-in-shenanigans, Donald Arthur Thomas, in eternal adventures.
As the “forgotten middle child,” Ken spent his life overachieving to ensure nobody ever forgot him again. A proud graduate of Flint Powers Catholic High School (Class of 1985), Ken went on to Eastern Michigan University, where he embraced his Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) brotherhood and somehow managed to simultaneously lead and corrupt his younger sister, Jennifer, during her weekend visits. Fate intervened one fateful April Fools’ Day in 1989 at the Wooden Nickel in Ypsilanti when Ken met Cheryl Marie Dalessandro. The two went on to create a beautiful life together, including raising their incredible sons.
Ken’s life was a masterclass in service and community spirit. His Boy Scout journey, starting as a Scout and culminating in earning his Eagle Scout Award with two Palms, set the foundation for a lifetime of leadership. As Scoutmaster for Troop #211 and an active member of the Tall Pines Council, Ken shaped the lives of countless future leaders. His accolades included the Silver Beaver Award, the Guardian Member Thomas Appliance Award (four consecutive years!), and recognition as District Chairman for three impactful years. Not one to stop at a single hat, he also chaired events like the Fall Round-Up and received the 2005 Program of the Year Award co-sponsored by the Flint Elks Lodge #222.
Ken’s devotion extended beyond Scouts to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, where he achieved just about every award possible, starting with the Alfred Spaer Award for Best Inner Guard in 1997 and culminating in the Elk of the Year Award in 2004. Along the way, he earned accolades for his service to Genesee County’s handicapped children, the March of Dimes, and a host of other causes. His titles, including Exalted Ruler and Officer of the Year, highlighted his relentless dedication to uplifting his community.
Ken’s professional life was equally meaningful. He proudly followed in the family footsteps at Thomas Appliance, joining his brother Don in running the business in 1994. Under Ken’s leadership, Thomas Appliance continued its distinction as the “Oldest Family-Owned Appliance Store in the Country,” earning recognition from the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce for 108 years in business. The store became a cornerstone of the community, hosting events like the Back to the Bricks Cruise and Car Show.
Balancing his career and community involvement with skill, Ken spearheaded events such as the Cuffs and Clubs Golf Tournament, which raised over $25,000 for the Grand Blanc Township Police Department K-9 unit, and the End of the World Pavilion Party to fund the Bicentennial Park pavilion. His dedication to the Grand Blanc community earned him a place as a trustee on the Grand Blanc Township Board from 2016–2020, the title of Citizen of the Year, and even a day in his honor—Ken Thomas Day, celebrated annually on March 14th.
Those left to cherish Ken’s memory include his sons, his sister, Dr. Jennifer Thomas-Goering (Patrick Goering), and nephews Dayton and Lachlan Goering of Ann Arbor, MI; his niece, Emily Thomas of Grand Rapids, MI; his nephew, Brandon Thomas of Austin, TX; and countless other extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be held at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road in Flint, MI, on Saturday, December 7, from 3-7 PM and Sunday, December 8, from 2-7 PM, with a Rosary at 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 9, at 12 PM at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Davison, MI, followed by a luncheon at the Elks Lodge in Grand Blanc.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department K-9 Unit Fund at 5405 S. Saginaw Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.
Ken will be remembered for his irrepressible humor, tireless service, and boundless love for his family and community. In his honor, please share a laugh, perform a good deed, or get involved with a local cause that brings people together—because that’s what Ken would do.