Kenneth "Ken" Lewis Thomas passed away at his residence on April 19, 2022.

Ken had a lifetime career in law enforcement as a volunteer which spanned over 32 years. His career began when he joined the Walker County Sheriff's Office in 1989 after his close friends James Painter and Mike Cole encouraged him to do so. Ken was part of several agencies which included the Sheriff's Office, the Jasper Police Department, Walker County Coroner's Office, and the Walker County Narcotics Unit. One of the highlights for Ken was in 2020 he was named Investigator of the Year at the Sheriff's office by his peers.

All Ken wanted to do was to make a difference. He stated this was the reason he got into law enforcement. He wanted to make a difference in people's lives even if it was just one person. Ken just desired to give back to his community.

At the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Nick Smith provided Ken a unique opportunity to serve in a capacity that met this need. Ken took complaints from the community by phone and then did follow up calls to update people on the progress of the complaints. He was given the title of investigator in 2019 and began assisting with investigating stolen vehicles.

Ken was an avid ham operator and spent hours tinkering with radios and electronic equipment.

He was soft spoken and had a quiet demeanor, but Ken had a heart that was as big as he was. He loved helping others and was never too busy to listen or lend a helping hand. He was a friend you could always count on to be there when needed.

Even though Ken lived by himself after his mom passed, he was never alone because several of his friends adopted Ken as part of their family.

Ken was such a caring and thoughtful soul, and his passing has left a void in the lives of his friends that knew him so well. He will be greatly missed.

Ken was born on December 3, 1965.

He was preceded in death by his father Lewis Thomas and his mother Verna Ruth Thomas.

Visitation will be Tuesday April 26 at 1 pm at the Living Light Church of God on North Airport Road Jasper. Funeral service will follow visitation at 2 pm.

Bell Funeral Home Sumiton will handle the arrangements. Joey Vick will officiate.

Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Oakman.

Pallbearers will be members of the Walker County Sheriff's Department.