Kenneth Greig “Ken” Thomas, Sr.

Kenneth Greig “Ken” Thomas, Sr., age 84, of Newark, DE, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Born in Wilmington, DE, on January 28, 1939, he was a son of the late Leroy Roscoe and Margaret Augusta (Vanderhoff) Thomas. Ken proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked as a machine operator at Printpack in New Castle for 35 years until his retirement.

Ken was also fondly given the name “Big Sexy” by his neighbors. Little did they know that his wife of 65 years loved to keep the house temperature at 78 degrees year-round, and that is the reason why he would always walk around with no shirt on and jean cutoffs. When he wasn’t busy making her every wish come true, he very much enjoyed listening to sports games on the radio, looking at maps to plan for the families next road trip or relaxing listening to his favorite artists such as the Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Bob Dylan.

Ken would love to engage anyone in conversations of the most recent world events and political discussions that could go on for hours. He loved to research facts and tell the family how ridiculous the world had become.

Ken was a devoted husband to his wife Diane and they were never apart. Where one went the other was right there, complaining and getting on each other’s nerves was their love language. To many that was strange, but to the family, it was normal. Ken was a loving, fun, outgoing, very involved grandfather to all of his grandchildren. They all have so many fond memories of their Pop-Pop and the life lessons he taught them all will never be forgotten. The road trips, the garage sales, the weekend adventures, the countless trips to Treasure Island, FL, the University of Delaware Football and Basketball games, the school trips, will forever hold a special place in their hearts. To his sons and daughters, he was loving, gentle and laidback. We love and deeply miss you, Dad.

Mom also said, don’t think this doesn’t mean, she isn’t going to give you a hard time the next time she sees you in Heaven.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Leigh Thomas; and siblings, Ned Thomas, Betty Kelling, and Buddy Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Diane E. (Lombardo) Thomas; children, Kenneth Thomas, Jr., John C. Thomas (Kim), and Melissa L. Thomas; grandchildren, Greg, Victoria, Letitia, Jamie, Christopher, Brittany, and Aaron; 6 great-grandchildren; and grand pup, Gus.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the University of Delaware, Development and Alumni Relations, Sports Medicine Clinic, 83 East Main Street, 3rd floor, Newark, DE 19716-2128 or online by clicking here.