Ken was born on January 5, 1958 in Dallas, Texas, to Bill R. Thomas and Carolina Nieto at Baylor Medical Center. From a young age, he embarked on his lifelong love of all things mechanical. He spent his free time purchasing, selling, and rebuilding motorcycles. He bought his first motorcycle in high school and began racing in his twenties and continued into his forties. Ken also enjoyed piloting his Cessna airplane on the weekends. He was an active member of several racing and pilot’s organizations. Ken possessed both an intellectual and curious mind. He had an adventurous heart and traveled throughout the United States and abroad as often as he was able. He also loved music, art, and film.
Growing up near White Rock Lake, and having a father who loved nature and led his boy scout troop, Ken enjoyed the outdoors and earned the rank of Eagle Scout alongside his brother Michael. He spoke fondly of his high school alma mater, Bishop Lynch Catholic High School, and he was active in many endeavors while a student there. Ken left behind a large collection of musical and audio equipment which his family donated to Bishop Lynch in his memory. He attended Southern Methodist University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He continued his education at the University of Houston School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree. Ken returned to Dallas and formed a business partnership, Thomas and Associates, PLLC, with his father Bill and brother Michael. Thomas and Associates, PLLC served their clients faithfully for over 30 years as tax specialists until the firm was sold in 2015. Ken often handled complex tax cases and served his clients well even as his health worsened. Kenneth had a wonderful sense of humor and engaging personality and a generous heart. He will be missed and remembered by many.
Kenneth had a deep abiding love for his family, especially his nieces Carolina, Jacqueline and Olivia, and his close personal friends, who remained by his side until he took his final breath. He also loved his constant companions, his Chows, who now have a new home.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his father Bill R. Thomas, his brother Michael L. Thomas, his grandparents Otho and Edith Thomas and Jose and Angelica Nieto. He is survived by his mother, Carolina N. Thomas, his sister Angelique and her husband, Lee Reagor MD, and his nieces. His family would like to extend a special thank you to JoAnna McMurray, Ingrid Vargas and Michael McMurray for their friendship and dedication to Ken, and to all the physicians and staff at UT Southwestern Parkland Medical Center for the excellent care provided to him.
A memorial service will be held March 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at Calvary Hill Funeral Home located at 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkland Foundation 1341 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 1100 E. Dallas, Texas 75247 or [email protected] in Ken’s memory.
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