Kenneth Alfred Thomas

Kenneth Alfred Thomas entered his heavenly home on December 23, 2024 at the age of 93 years. Ken had great determination, love, and a strong faith in Jesus Christ which gave him the foundation to share wise council and guidance based on Biblical principles.

Ken was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and was baptized into the family of Christ in 1932. He graduated in 1949 from Flushing High School and continued studies at Flint Baker Business College and Flint Junior College. He earned a Bachelor of Science at Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts at University of Michigan. Although Ken always carried a special place in his heart for his Canadian birthplace, he became a United States citizen after proudly enlisting to serve in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955, stationed primarily in the Azores and Arizona. He married the love of his life, Erma Louise Miller, on August 26, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Chesaning, Michigan and was blessed with 63 years of marriage. In 1967, Ken became a confirmed member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bay City where he continued to serve the rest of his life. Ken was passionate about teaching and retired in 1992 after five years in Lake Fenton Schools and 27 years in Bangor Township Schools, where he was both a business instructor and Vocational Education Coordinator, implementing the Cooperative Education Program at John Glenn High School. He taught driver education, served as the North Central Accreditation Chairperson, State Secretary of the Michigan Business Education Association and State President of the Michigan Vocational Coordinators Association. Ken was recognized by the State of Michigan Legislature and Department of Education for 25 years of leading an outstanding Cooperative Education Program and received the Outstanding Business Education Award from Central Michigan University.

Ken enjoyed 30 years officiating Michigan High School Athletic Association sports and was selected to referee state football final games at the Silver Dome. He enjoyed many hours of flying his own airplane, often taking his buddies up north to play golf or his beautiful wife for ice cream in northern towns. He also held a position on the advisory board at James Clements Airport and loved displaying his restored ’55 Chevy at local car club events.

Known as our disciplined “energizer bunny” he was always ready and willing to take on tasks and get a job done to benefit others. Although golfing, piloting his plane, spending time with friends, traveling, bowling, boating, hunting, tracing family history, and serving on committees kept him busy, Ken’s family was where he was all heart. He actively followed the lives of his daughters and grandchildren by visiting their homes and helping with projects, attending softball, basketball, baseball, and hockey games.

Ken treasured family! Those left to cherish his memory are his three daughters: Valerie (Jeff) Dome, Janine (Clifford) Reese, and Marcia Thomas, grandchildren: Kenlee (AnnMarie) Dome, Alissa Gauthier, Brady Gauthier, Caleb (Elaina) Reese, Sophie (Kyle) Piurkowski, and Asher Reese, great grandchildren Leo and Max Piurkowski, dearest brother Carl (Wendy) Thomas, sisters-in-law Eleanor (Robert) Parrott, Gerrie Miller and several wonderful nieces, nephews, and Canadian cousins who were all his “favorite.” Ken and Erma also welcomed into their family with open arms Kayla (Zach) Hill and children Keagan, Kaydance, Zayden, and ZellaJean.

In addition to his wonderful wife, Erma Louise, and his parents Lee and Lillie (Aho) Thomas, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Leroy Thomas, and sister-in-law, Patsy Adams, along with several in-laws. 

Ken’s family is beyond thankful for the comfort he received from family and friends and his wonderful “Dream Team” of caregivers: Virginia, Jackie, Mary, Terry, Trisha, Carrie, Paige, Samantha, Shannon, Maureen, Judy, Lisa and Josie. God promptly answered our prayers when He led this team to assist in caregiving for Ken and Erma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Ken’s name to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran School.

Funeral service for Kenneth will be taking place on January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 501 W. Ivy Street, Bay City. Officiating will be Pastor Phillip Baerwolf. The family will be present to receive visitors on January 3, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on January 4, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Ken’s service will be livestreamed at 

https://www.facebook.com/ZionBayCity/ or https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurch-baycity8310/streams