Keith T Thomas

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Time: Apr 17, 2025 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 756 752 4080

OBITUARY​

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Keith Tyrone Thomas​

Keith Tyrone Thomas devoted; son, brother, father, uncle, husband, and friend, passed away in the loving arms of his wife, Barbie on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Keith was born on March 31, 1961, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Grady Thomas and Patricia (Thomas) Pearyer. Keith’s parents would later move him and his siblings to Newark, NJ where he spent much of his childhood and teenage years.​

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Before attending and graduating from Irvington High School, Keith, his brother Gene (preceded in death), and sisters Tamala and Ravyne were exposed to all genres of music which eventually led Keith and Gene to pursue music careers. Growing up with his Dad Grady Thomas who was an original member of the legendary Doo Wop group, “The Parliaments” and later became Parliament Funkadelic which certainly shaped and molded his creativity.​

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After high school, Keith joined the United States Navy, where he served for 7 years. He often spoke fondly of those memories, stating that it gave him the opportunity to see the world, and learn about diverse cultures. But most important, it instilled discipline that would later shape his adult life in the most positive ways. For years, Keith often wondered about the whereabouts of some of his closest Navy buddies. It was a blessing that he would reconnect with Larry “Kazoo” Tunsel, Dennis “Yota” Pellot, Cedric “Bama” Walton (deceased), Leonard “Swamp Dog” Moore, and David “Too Tall” Grant, all who meant the world to him.​

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Keith would return to Newark, NJ after his time in the Navy and worked in Shipping and Receiving as a Forklift Driver and Inspector. He would later earn his Massachusetts Class-A trucking license, of which he was extremely proud. Though he enjoyed this line of work, his true passion was that of a musician. Keith, along with his brother Gene performed with several bands in Newark, NJ. Later, they would move back to Plainfield, where they linked up with some of Plainfield’s best up and coming musicians to form the band “Funk-Kin,” named by Gene. This collective included Derek Davis (deceased), Nowell Haskins, Nate Shider, Tim Shider, Charlie Rivers, Donald Banks, Perk Puryear (deceased) and Billy Spruill (deceased). Throughout the years, other talented musicians in Plainfield also performed and toured with Funk-Kin: Gregg Fitz, Batman, Twin (deceased), Ray Jordan and Roxanne Eure. Being a part of Funk-Kin was one of the highlights of his life. Though Funk-Kin would disband after a long run of acclaimed performances, the members of the band always loved each other and stayed connected. ​

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​Keith met the love of his life, Barbie (Johnson) Thomas, who he was introduced to by his brother Gene. Funk-Kin was embarking on identifying a management and booking agent to increase their visibility. Barbie wore both hats and worked with the band, securing gigs at, colleges, clubs, and music festivals. Those times were the highlights in both Keith and Barbie’s lives. In 2001, Keith moved to Boston where Barbie’s family and circle of friends and colleagues fell in love with him instantaneously and vice versa. Keith continued working with Funk-Kin and driving trucks. ​

Keith and Barbie were married on August 14, 2004, surrounded by their family and friends from New Jersey, Boston and elsewhere. Their love story was one of deep friendship, faith, respect, and unwavering commitment. Barbie would become a second Mom to Keith’s beautiful daughter Fatara, who was such an important part of their lives.​

In 2008, Keith was diagnosed with very serious diseases that consumed his body. For 17 years, Keith fought these diseases, always trusting in God and his world-class medical team: His Hepatologist Specialist Dr. Simon Robson, Oncologist Dr. Jessica Zerillo and other medical team members together, were the “A” team that never gave up on Keith and made sure that he was receiving the very best treatments to extend his life. We knew at the beginning of these diagnosis’ that they were incurable and could only be managed. It is important to state that for many of these years, Keith had a wonderful quality of life. He attended social events, worked in his recording studio, went on fishing trips, and hosted many BBQs which he identified himself as the “Pit Master.”  Keith was a man of deep faith even in sickness, holding tightly to God’s promises, finding comfort in worship and prayer.​

He will be remembered for his, infectious laugh, beautiful smile, soulful and funky stage presence and vocals, unshakable belief in love, protective nature, music, and God. Whether on stage or in the quiet of his home, Keith brought love and light to those around him. ​

Keith leaves to cherish his memory his wife of twenty-one years, Barbie Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Grady Thomas, mother Patricia (Thomas) Pearyer, stepfather Michael Pearyer and beloved daughter, Fatara. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Gene Thomas and Marshall “Cozzy” Howard.  Keith also leaves sisters; Tamala, Ravyne, BeGina and Shelly (Donald) Perry, stepbrother Jordan Baptist Hargrove, sister-in-law Linda (Johnson) Fajors, brother-in-law, Joseph Johnson. grandchildren Ozzie, Ozoid, Ziah, Great grandchildren Ozir and O’Zhuri, as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, bandmates, shipmates, and friends.​

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Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Keith’s suffering is over, and his soul is at rest. His music lives on, and so does the love he gave. Barbie says that she will meet Keith at the” backstage door in heaven” with open arms.

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Meeting ID: 756 752 4080

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