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Kenneth B. Thomas, age 92, of Greenville, passed away Thursday evening, July 19, 2018 at Spectrum Health-United Hospital in Greenville.  The son of Alvin Dennis & Vivian (Mosher) Thomas, he was born on June 11, 1926 in Greenville.  Following his graduation from Greenville High School, Ken served in the U.S. Army and was a decorated combat veteran of World War II earning both the Sharpshooter and Combat Infantryman's badges, two bronze battle stars, and the Good Conduct and Victor.

After his return home from the war, Ken married the former Vonnie E. Wilcox and together they had three children and made their home at the farm on Berridge Road.  Ken retired from Federal-Mogul Corp., was an avid golfer, and played baseball and football in high school.  He was a long time member of the First Congregational Church in Greenville, the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 in Greenville, and a life-member of the Lester J. Sitts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5065 in Sheridan.   

He was preceded in death by his parents;  his wife, Vonnie Thomas, on April 27, 2003;  a son, Robert Kenneth Thomas;  a brother, Alvin D. Thomas, Jr.;  two sisters, Maxine Ward and Peggy Tower;  three half-sisters;  a half-brother;  and a great granddaughter.

On October 29, 2005, at the First Congregational Church, he married Kay Frisbey and together they enjoyed almost 13 years of marriage.  Surviving are his wife, Kay Thomas of Greenville;  two children, Kathleen Holt of Fenton and Michael & Mary Thomas of Swartz Creek;  two step-daughters, Julie Spohn and Jill Tiffany, both of Greenville;  his brothers and sisters, Ernest & Janet Thomas of Belding, Wayne & Joyce Thomas and Pat & Jerry Closson,  all of Gowen;  a sister-in-law, Ava & George Bond of Boston, Massachusetts;  a brother-in-law, Craig Frisbey of Perrinton; seven grandchildren;  eleven step-grandchildren;  eight great grandchildren;  nine step-great grandchildren;  two step- great great grandchildren;  and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. on Monday at the First Congregational Church, 126 E. Cass Street at Clay Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday.  The Rev. Jason Dillingham, pastor of the First Congregational Church, will officiate and burial, with military honors, will follow at Oakfield Township Cemetery. 

Instead of flowers, Ken would have appreciated contributions in his memory to the Parish Nurse Fund at the First Congregational Church.  To send a message of sympathy to the family sign Ken's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care.

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5 Condolences

  1. Marv Christensen on July 21, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Sorry to hear about Ken. My (and Pat) condolence to you and your family.-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á-á Marv Christensen. Lansing



  2. Vicki Nelson on July 21, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Sending our deepest sympathy for the passing of Ken. He was a wonderful man. Blessing to your family. Chris and Vicki Nelson.



  3. Gerald Tovatt on July 21, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Kay and Family. My sincere condolences on your loss. What a great experience for me knowing him for many years. I have fond memories of golf matches with Jerry, Kathy, and Ken.



  4. Leonard Jr. Vandermey & family, Maxine (Vandermey) Christophersen on July 23, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Sorry for your loss. Ken was a great neighbor, as a young kid my family lived across the road from them on the Berridge Road. I remember him well. Mike and Kathy we remember you both-ávery well. Ken will be dearly missed, and we send our prayers your way. he Vandermey”s from the Howard Fisher Farm.



  5. Joye Giroux on July 28, 2019 at 12:00 am

    Ken was a great friend. I am sorry I just learned of his passing. I am,sure I am,one of many who miss him.



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