Kenneth Donovan McDonald Thomas

7/24/52 – 2/9/17

“Ken, Kenny, Donovan”

Kenneth Donovan McDonald Thomas was born on July 24, 1952 in Kingston, Jamaica to the late Tennyson and Bernice Thomas. He and his family migrated to the United States in June 1963. Initially he and his two siblings resided with their paternal grandparents in Philadelphia for a year and a half, while their parents began working in New York.

Ken attended Tilden High School in Brooklyn, NY, and then went on to the City College of New York where he graduated with a BA in Ethnic Studies, and a minor in Economics. After graduation Ken worked for a year as a counselor in a juvenile facility before starting his career at American Express in July of 1975 as a Relay Operator.

On August 17, 1975, Ken married Coleen King and together they started their family of two sons, Justin and Brandon. In December 1991, Ken relocated his family to Jacksonville, Florida with American Express where his career continued to flourish for the next 5 years. He supportively engaged in his children’s activities, some of which included baseball, football and basketball. With his promotion at American Express to the Phoenix, AZ office in July 1996, Ken again relocated his family. Ken was an inspirational leader who always demonstrated care for his people. His diverse and dynamic leadership skills were displayed while serving as Credit Team Leader, Service Delivery Leader roles in Credit, Corporate, and Open Servicing Departments. Ken always made time for mentorship and counsel with both direct reports and colleagues. Upon his retirement in October 2015, Ken was serving the company as a Credit Operations Director.

Everyone knew Ken’s love of the outdoors and exercise. He diligently worked out at the gym every morning and was an avid hiker. One of his proudest athletic moments was hiking the Grand Canyon in a day with his good friend and colleague, Nancy Yee. Although Ken was an introvert at heart, he was well known for having fun with family and friends. His impeccable style “matching socks and shirts,” his dancing moves, and delicious martini’s drinks were part of his charm. His laugh was infectious and his caring spirit touched everyone around him.

Ken was a loving husband, proud father and doting grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Coleen, sons Justin and Brandon, daughter-in-law Alisha, granddaughters Lailaini and Aliyah, sister Sharon Thomas, nephew Kwame Thomas -Tafari, and a host of other family members and friends. We were all blessed to have this princely man dynamically and charismatically touch the lives of many.