Kenneth D. Thomas Jr.

Kenneth was born in Chester, PA to the late Kenneth D. Thomas Sr and Paulette (Emmons) Thomas. Throughout his life he was affectionately known by several names: Ken, Cable K, Brother Black and Davy. Davy was the middle child, and he wore the banner with pride. He was baptized at an early age at the Immaculate Heart Roman Catholic Church on 2nd and Norris Streets in Chester. He was raised in the Bennett Homes Project and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School (Class of 1969), Douglas Jr. High School and graduated from Chester High School with the Class of 1973. He began his working career with American Cable. During his tenure there he was awarded the honor of “Salesman of the Month” for ten consecutive months. It was during this time where he earned the nickname of “Cable K”. When the cable corporation switched from door-to-door sales to phone sales, Davy moved on to Upland Tools for his next employment. He then found a better opportunity as a Machine Operator at Smurfit-Stone Container in Aston. He retired early from Smurfit-Stone due to health issues. As a young man, Davy enjoyed playing sports especially football. He was known as a very physical player. Back in the day, the various projects and parts of the city would form their own team and meet up at the A-Field for a Saturday or Sunday game. When it came time for the Bennett’s team, Davy’s name was always near the top of the list. He had a love for the drums, which started as a member of the Benny Wright Band, and he carried that love to his last days. He just purchased a set of drums a few months ago. Music was the center-point of his home. No matter what time you arrive at his home, you’d hear music playing. He could be cooking, cleaning, playing Mr. Fix-it, playing pinocle, doing research for his football pools or watching a game on TV – his music on. His catalog ran from R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Pop and Gospel. And if you stayed long enough, you’d hear his favorite, “Song of the Wind” by Santana. Davy had an open-door policy when it came to his son’s friends. His home was their home. It began when they were young and continued to his last days. He would often feed them both physically and mentally. It was these conversations that earned him the name, Brother Black. The relationships that were formed back then remain until today. Davy was known for throwing the best Mother’s Day Weekend party. It started on Friday and lasted until Sunday evening. The yard and house would be full of people and food. He made sure there was more than enough of everything. And it was open to everyone. He often discussed his plans for the next Mother’s Day party. He loved to party. Preceded in his death were his grandparents Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Thomas and Helen Selby, parents Kenneth and Paulette “Mrs. Pat” Thomas and his son Andre. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Asaad Brown, stepson, Steven “Saif” Brown (Laila Minnis), stepdaughter, Kahreen (Jul). One sister, Cassandra “Candi” Lanier, one brother, Terrence (Toni) also known as Terry. Nine (9) grandchildren: Shaakir, Shalaiyah, Nisaa, Zahra, Shuaib, Zakariya, Layan, Adam and Tasneem. Two (2) nieces: Mia (Greg) and Jasmine, and a nephew Denzel. A Grand-nephew Stephen, Grand-niece Jada and Great-Grand-nephew Jace. And a host of cousins and friends. A special group of friends (Ride or Dies): John “Cuz-Cuz” Corporal, Vanessa Gale, Benny Gill, Joey Griffith, Janel Francis, Tasha Hackett, Rozie Turner, Damon Rawls, Connie & Rick Sierra and Donna Thorton.

Kenneth D. Thomas Jr.

March 7, 1954 - November 26, 2024