Bowling Green — Dennis Cary Thomas, 76, passed away at his home on July 23, 2026. A native of Burkesville, Kentucky, Cary was born on May 27, 1950, to the late Dennis Cloyd Thomas and Dorothy Cary Thomas.
Cary is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donita Bush Thomas; his daughters, Laura (Chad) Ford and Becca (Scott) Bouldin; and his six dearly beloved granddaughters: Kate Ford, Shelby Ford, Allie Ford, Abbey Bouldin, Brenna Bouldin, and Tenley Bouldin. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Thomas of Lexington, Kentucky, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
For many years, Cary and his family were faithful members of Lost River Church of Christ, formerly known as 12th Street Church of Christ. For approximately 20 years, Cary and Donita worshiped with The Church at Bowling Green before recently returning to Lost River Church of Christ. Cary and Donita, both proud WKU alumni, enjoyed cheering on the Hilltoppers at basketball games. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family, making memories together while exploring new places. Whether fishing, spending time on the farm, caring for horses, or horseback riding, Cary found joy in the outdoors. Above all, he treasured being Pa to his six granddaughters and took great pride in encouraging and supporting each of them in their many interests and activities.
Cary spent the first half of his career with Kendall Company, working in Franklin, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; Lumberton, North Carolina; and Boston, Massachusetts. In recent years, he enjoyed working part-time at Target, where he appreciated the friendships he made and the opportunity to stay active.
Cary will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, unwavering love for his family, and the joy he found in serving and encouraging others.
Funeral services have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., all at the Lovers Lane Chapel. A private burial for family and close friends will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Stony Point Cemetery in Allen County, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mission Lazarus, a faith-based nonprofit organization serving Haiti and Honduras that Cary faithfully supported and had the privilege of volunteering on a mission trip. Contributions to Mission Lazarus may be mailed to P.O. Box 306498, Nashville, TN 37230. Memorial contributions may also be made to Stony Point Cemetery, c/o Glyn Goodman, 1111 Nahm Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42104.
