(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Kenneth R Thomas was born October 19, 1946, in Van Nuys, CA. We are saddened by his passing on May 4, 2026. He was the fourth of five children born to Paul & Eva D Thomas.
Kenny's parents divorced when he was very young. He was very fond of his stepfather Marion “Shorty" Lewis.
Kenny went to grade school in Ft. Scott, KS. His mother and stepfather moved to Noel, MO to help train personnel at the chicken plant. Kenny graduated from Noel High School in 1964. He immediately followed his two older brothers into the United States Navy. He was only 17 so he had to have his mom sign for him to enlist. He served from June 1964 to June 1970 and was stationed on the vessel USS Rowan. He served as a Ship Swimmer and became a Vietnam Veteran.
Kenny was well known for his love of fishing and hunting. And for years, he could give the best float trips in Noel to visiting family and friends. He had a great knowledge of every nook and cranny in both Elk River and Indian Creek, and in later years Grand Lake. He spent many deer seasons with family and friends enjoying the camaraderie. He mastered the outdoors at a young age. While visiting his grandfather in the Branson area around age 9, he became lost in the Mark Twain National Forest after being separated from his two older brothers. He found a fence line and followed it to a road rescuing himself before the National Guard could find him.
Kenny married Retha Brandon on February 14, 1978, in Miami, OK. They had a daughter, Adrienne Michelle. Their foster son, Mike, came when he was 16 and he completed high school while in their care.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife Retha Thomas of Joplin, daughter Adrienne Judd (Brian) of Joplin, foster son Mike Bruneau (Trina) of Goodman, Brother Ronnie (Karen) Thomas of Joplin, Sister Fletta Norcross of Panama City Beach, FL, Grandchildren- Brecken Barber (Chayton), Bralin Wofford, Christopher Judd, and bonus grandchildren, William, Aiden, Paige, and Trian. Many nieces and nephews and great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Paul Henry Thomas & Donald Thomas, beloved niece and nephew- Nicole DuBose and Troy Thomas.
A celebration of life has been scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, June 6 at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin.
A committal of ashes with full military honors will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, June 8 at Coffelt Cemetery, 8391 S. Coffelt Cemetery Rd, Bentonville, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners or Disabled American Vets.
Kenny was a nice guy that was a regular for several years at Super Donut in south Joplin. I always enjoyed our visits.
ReplyDelete