November 27, 1941 – February 11, 2019
With his unwavering faith in God, deep love of family, and unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Ken Thomas was a man for all seasons. Especially college football season (Go Irish!), major league baseball season, and college basketball season (did we say Go Irish?!).
He was a son, grandson, brother, cousin, student, classmate, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, confidant, worker and teacher.
But Ken was far more than the nouns and adjectives used to describe him. He was a man whose optimism was a beacon that guided him through even the darkest nights, and served to help light the way for others. The word “impossible” did not exist for him. Where others saw roadblocks, he saw detours that gave new challenges and adventures. He lived a life that inspired others.
The dates show that Ken was 77 at the time of his death on February 11, 2019. But at heart, he was a young spirit always eager to grow and learn. He would have felt at home living in a library because he loved books. He also loved Amazon because it made getting more books – and more books and more books – so easy, especially during periods when he was homebound and unable to go to the library.
Much the same could be said for music. He wasn’t bound by genres, as his musical interests through the years showed. The man who loved “Old Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra and then the rock ‘n roll of his generation later gravitated toward Hank Williams and country music. He made several pilgrimages to Nashville to get up close and personal with the stars and music of country during the old Fan Fair days. Most recently it was rap and hip-hop, definitely not typical for a grandfather but reflective of the breadth of interests he embraced in his approach to life. Because of that, he could easily talk with and relate to people of all ages. The fact is that, because of his voracious appetite for learning, Ken could talk with almost anyone about almost anything.
Sports was another passion. Of course, being Catholic, he was a long-time fan of Notre Dame. And Father Ryan High School in Nashville. College football was his favorite time of year, made even more special with the friendly family rivalry of predicting winners and losers each week.
Though it wasn’t his profession, Ken could have been a weatherman. Weather systems intrigued him, and he closely followed the weather fronts. He could talk for extended periods about cumulus vs. stratus clouds, cold/warm fronts colliding and other weather facts. It was part of his deep interest in earth sciences in general.
For years, Ken was actively involved with the Catholic Church, including service in various roles with churches in Anderson, IN, Oklahoma City, OK, and the Cathedral in Nashville. He filled many roles with the Knights of Columbus, and remained active in that work even after he could no longer go to the meetings. Membership retention was one of his specialties. The brotherhood of the Knights, their friendship and support were significant to him. His faith was key to his approach to life.
Ken was born November 27, 1941, to Marvin and Clara “Mae” Thomas in Lancaster, PA. The family later moved to Bloomington, IN. His parents preceded him in death, as did an infant great-grandson, Jayson Jones.
He was deeply loved, admired and respected by his survivors:
• Wife Anise Stanley of Antioch, TN;
• Sons Michael Kem-Thomas (Pheap) of Sevierville, TN, and Anthony E. Thomas of Antioch, TN;
• Sister Virginia “Gini” Stipp of South Bend, IN;
• Brother Bob Thomas (Jenny) of Harrisburg, PA;
• Grandchildren Anthony Thomas II (Danielle), Kat Bozeman (Josh), James Thomas, Kaileb Thomas, Sarah Huntwork (Tyler), Brandy (Colby) Landauer, Mary Catherine Elizabeth Thomas, Neda Thomas, Josh Thomas and Rebekah Thomas. All grandchildren live in the Middle Tennessee area.
• Great-grandchildren: Raelyn Trinity, Khailey Adalin, Theodore Michael Anthony, and Weston Edward Thomas; Katie, Oliver and Alice Bozeman; and, Rorick James Landauer, all of whom live in the Middle Tennessee area.
• Sister-in-law Cheryl Scutt of Antioch, TN
• Several nieces and nephews including Christopher Stipp of Iowa City, IA; Tom Stipp (Carrie) of South Bend, and Jason Stipp (Tate Geborkoff) of Chicago, IL; Tom Soares (Julie) of Reno, NV; Darlissa Salazar (Ed) of Titusville, FL; Rusty Scutt (Lisa) of Brownsburg, IN; Kathy “Cookie” Moore (John) of Fort Myers, FL; and, Kellie Scutt-Trieloff (Bill) of Brownsburg, IN.
Ken is a 1959 graduate of Bloomington (IN) High School. He earned the bachelor of science degree in earth science, magna cum laude, from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and the master’s degree in organizational development from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
As befits someone who loves learning, Ken was a teacher. It was his calling, though he also worked in other fields including finance and restaurant management in earlier years. Ken taught in the People Systems at Saturn, where he was one of the first group of employees for the innovative company. After retiring from General Motors/Saturn, he continued teaching at two junior colleges in Nashville including Draughon’s (now Daymar) where he was twice voted as Teacher of the Year.
Though complications from diabetes limited him physically for the last few years of his life, his spirit and mind soared till the very end. Family, friends, books, daily devotions and Bible study, music, crosswords, and sports filled his days. For those who wish to honor his life and spirit, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.
Due to the length and later the severity of Ken’s illness, our family wishes to thank for following for the loving care shown to him:
• Dr. Roger Bonau and his wonderful staff at the Craig Wound Center;
• Aaron Fitzsimmons and Darrell at the Surgery Clinic, Prosthetics Institute
• Dr. Stacey Vallejo;
• Dr. Jennifer Bess and her office staff, especially Candace;
• St. Thomas West Hospital Staff for the wonderful, loving care he received during his
many visits during his 17-year battle with diabetes and heart disease;
• Dr. Warren Stribling and Dr. W. David Thompson of St. Thomas Cardiology Center
• The Coumadin Clinic at St. Thomas West Hospital;
• Home Care Solutions;
• Life Care Center at Hickory Words; and,
• The Knights of Columbus Council 544 members for their ongoing fellowship in faith and enduring friendships.
We will celebrate his life with a funeral mass at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Cathedral in Nashville with Father Ed Steiner officiating. A brief graveside service will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville.
Heaven has gained another angel. One with unending faith, deep love for family and friends, twinkling eyes, great humor, optimism, compassion, and, of course, that special love for all things Notre Dame.
Go Irish! An angel now has your back.
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