Kenneth Earl Thomas, age 90, a native of Birmingham and current resident of Lillian, Alabama, died on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at home.
He attended Fairfield High School then joined the U.S. Maritime Service attending the Training Center at Sheepshead Bay, New York for officer training and Radio School, learning messaging in Morse code. Upon graduation, he was assigned to ships delivering supplies to troops in both the European and South Pacific theaters.
After his discharge, he met his wife, Tonee, and had five sons, David, Dennis, Douglas, Jerry and Jeff.
He worked in Birmingham for Pitney-Bowes Inc., makers of mailing equipment, until he was sent to Montgomery to establish a local office and serve as district manager, retiring after 33 years of service.
As a loving husband and dedicated father, many happy years were spent in Montgomery raising the boys and surrounded by family.
In 2003, with three sons already living in south Alabama, a move to Gulf Shores allowed the family to again be close and enjoy coastal living until his health began to deteriorate and a move to Lillian was necessary.
He was preceded in death by three sons, Dennis Thomas, Jerry Thomas and Jeff Thomas.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Tonee Thomas; sons, David Thomas (Jeanette) and
Douglas Thomas; three grandchildren, Amber Thomas, Tyler Thomas and Suzanne Thomas; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Bernabo and Raylee Williamson; plus many relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service will be at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church on Nov. 9, 2016.
Visitation will begin at 10:30 followed by the service at 11 and reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Interment will be at 1 at Pine Rest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Caring and Sharing Committee, P.O. Box 374, Gulf Shores, AL 36547.
