On Thursday, January 22, 1959, in Abilene, Texas, Gordon and Alice introduced to the world, their bouncing baby boy. They named him, Kenneth.

As a young lad, Kenneth received his primary education through Abilene Public School System, before moving to California with his mother and later to Cincinnati, Ohio with his father. Later in life, he relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where he finished his formal education at Northside High School.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was presently a member of Sweethome Baptist Church, under the leadership of his cousin, Pastor James C. Brown.

As life progressed, Kenneth met Ann Silmon and the two birthed a son, Demone Antowan. In the late 80’s, Kenneth met Ms. See Ann Young and the two became one in 1990. To their union, one child was born, Hanna. However, he and See Ann not only raised their own child, but her two boys, Andre’ and Andrew. Many times you’d see the family and it would appear that See Ann was the step-mother to the boys. His loved for Andre’, Andrew and Hanna was never in question. Though their union dissolved in 2004, his fatherhood remained.

Kenneth later fathered another son, with Ms. Nykia Freeman. They named him, Jailon. With his heart for his “kids”, he accepted her son, Montaj Freeman, as his own.

His latest years were spent with his companion, Sherry Lee, whom loved him unconditionally and was his caregiver until the very end of his life’s journey.

He was affectionately known by his friends and family as, “Kenneth Thomas” or “Darren”. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his siblings, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. He found joy in singing, cooking, playing spades and dominoes.

He worked for the Fort Worth Convention Center as an Event Staff Member, until his health failed.

Early, Sunday Morning, May 13, 2018, Kenneth Darren Thomas Phipps, heard the master whisper his name and he left the cares of this world, to be at rest. He was greeted in Heaven by his beloved parents, Gordon and Alice and his son, Demone.

Left to cherish his memories are: his children, Andre’ D. Sims, Tiffany Thomas, Andrew D.S. Kirkland, Montaj Freeman, Hanna Hogan Phipps and Jailon Freeman; his siblings, Gary “Tony” Sims, Steven D. Richmond and wife, Nicole, Valerie Thomas, Lynda Thomas, Stacy Parker, Shenita Richmond and Faith Walker; his companion, Sherry Lee; the mothers of his children, See Ann Young-Phipps and Nykia Freeman; Nine grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.