View Video Tribute Kenneth L. "Donk" Thomas, 80, of Keokuk, IA, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Lexington Square in Keokuk, IA. He was born on August 16, 1930 in Ft. Madison, IA, the son of Ray and Eva Johnson Thomas. On May 4, 1956 Kenneth was united in marriage to Marilynn Joy Mann in Keokuk, IA. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Bill Mann and his wife Penny of Ankeny, IA, Kenny Thomas and his wife Angie of Keokuk, IA and David Thomas of Keokuk, IA, two daughters, Brenda Bawden of Hamilton, IL and Sherry Thomas and her special friend Jim of Keokuk, IA, twelve grandchildren, Kim Pfaff and her husband Sean of Kearney, MO, Bill Mann and his wife Amber, Tori Thomas and her husband Tom, Kevin Thomas and his wife Andrea, Crystal Thomas, David Rogers and his wife Tina, Daniel Rogers, Dustin Rogers, Dakota Rogers and Kassi Rogers all of Keokuk, IA, and Kelee Bawden and Kelsie Bawden both of Hamilton, IL, fifteen great-grandchildren, three sisters, Minnie Ethel Curtis of Montrose, IA, Neoma Fowler of Ft. Madison, IA and Mary Christie and her husband Bill of Rome, GA and a special family friend Dawn Rogers of Keokuk, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Fay Thomas, Lewis Thomas and Leo Thomas, and two sisters, Gladys Krogmeier and Marie Dauma. Kenneth enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1946 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He received his Honorable discharge in 1955 and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He had been employed at the Armour Dial Corporation in Ft. Madison, IA for twenty seven years, retiring in 1995. Kenneth loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, walking, farming, gardening and chopping wood. He also enjoyed working on cars and being a handy man around the house. Kenneth especially enjoyed spending time with his family and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Terry Lovell officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.