With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Demond Tysae Thomas—a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, coach, mentor, hometown sports legend, and cherished friend. While his remarkable athletic accomplishments earned him recognition throughout Kentucky and across the nation, the roles he treasured most were those of Dad, Grandfather, Son, Brother, and Coach.

Born and raised in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Demond was a proud graduate of Elizabethtown High School, where his extraordinary athletic ability first began to shine. Demond was drafted in 1991 by the Chicago White Sox. He continued his education and athletic career at Campbellsville University, earning NAIA All-American honors. His outstanding achievements on the field ultimately led to his induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame, a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the game.

In 1991, Demond was honored as the Kentucky Athlete of the Year, one of the Commonwealth’s highest athletic recognitions. His love for competition continued beyond college as he went on to become a professional softball player, earning the admiration and respect of teammates, competitors, and fans alike.

While Demond’s athletic accomplishments were extraordinary, they were never what defined him.

After his playing career, he found his true calling in giving back to the next generation. As a dedicated baseball coach at Central Hardin High School, Demond helped lead the Bruins to a Kentucky State Baseball Championship, a milestone that reflected not only his knowledge of the game but also his ability to inspire young athletes to believe in themselves and one another.

His passion for coaching extended far beyond one team. Throughout Hardin and LaRue Counties, Demond devoted countless years to coaching, mentoring, and encouraging young athletes. To hundreds of children and families, he was far more than a coach. He was a mentor, teacher, role model, and friend. He believed every child deserved someone who believed in them, and he spent countless hours teaching discipline, perseverance, teamwork, humility, and character. His greatest victories were never measured by championships but by the confidence he instilled, the lives he influenced, and the young people who became better men and women because of his guidance.

Above all else, Demond’s greatest love was his family.

His heart belonged to his three beautiful daughters, Taylor Thomas (Quintez),Bailey Thomas, and Sydney Thomas (Austin).They were his greatest joy, proudest accomplishment, and the center of his world. Every achievement he celebrated and every challenge he faced was done with his daughters in mind, and his love for them was unwavering.

One of the greatest blessings of his life was becoming the proud grandfather of his precious first granddaughter, Bexley Cristina Barbour. Although her beautiful life was taken far too soon, the love Demond had for Bexley was immeasurable. She forever held a special place in his heart, and those who loved him find comfort in imagining the joyful reunion between Papaw and his sweet granddaughter—a reunion filled with the love that neither time nor loss could ever diminish.

Demond was blessed beyond measure by the unwavering love and support of his parents, Richard Thomas and Charmaine Thomas, whose constant encouragement carried him through every triumph and every challenge. Their faith in him helped shape the compassionate, determined, and resilient man he became.

He also shared an unbreakable bond with his devoted brother, Chaz, whose lifelong friendship, loyalty, and love remained one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Anyone who knew Demond knew there was one team that always had his heart—the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Whether cheering from the stands, watching every game, or proudly wearing Kentucky blue, he was a Wildcat through and through. His enthusiastic cry of “Go Big Blue!” became part of who he was and reflected the pride and passion with which he lived his life.

While many will remember Demond for the awards he received, the championships he celebrated, and the records he set, those fortunate enough to know him personally will remember something far greater. They will remember his infectious smile, generous spirit, compassionate heart, unwavering loyalty, and his remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel important. He never met a stranger, never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and never stopped believing in the potential of others.

Demond is survived by his loving parents, Richard Thomas and Charmaine Thomas; his beloved daughters, Taylor Thomas Quintez, Bailey Thomas, and Sydney Thomas Austin; his brother, Chaz Thomas; his aunt, Sheryl Clemmons and LaTanya McKenzie; his uncles, Carl Green Pauline, Tim Weathers Angela, and Chuck Weathers; his cherished nephew, Mason Thomas; his special nephew, Gatlin Kennedy; his favorite cousin, Kha’Deidra Barnett; his special cousin, Brenda Moten; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former teammates, fellow coaches, and the countless young athletes whose lives were forever changed by his encouragement, leadership, and unwavering belief in them.

Demond was preceded in death by his cherished granddaughter, Bexley Cristina Barbour; his maternal grandparents, James Weathers and Nellie Cummings; his paternal grandparents, Richard Thomas and Armenthia Thomas; his sisters, Armenthia Thomas and Nellie Thomas; his aunt, Margaret Pettigrew; and his uncles, Kenneth Thomas and Robert Weathers.

Though our community has lost one of its greatest champions, Demond’s legacy will live on in every child he inspired, every athlete he coached, every lesson he taught, and every life he touched. His greatest victories were never found on a scoreboard. They were found in the hearts of his family, the lives of the children he mentored, the friendships he cherished, and the love he gave so freely.

May he now rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, reunited with his precious granddaughter, Bexley Cristina Barbour, watching over all those he loved until they meet again.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Go Big Blue. Forever.

Homegoing services will be held 1:00 PM, Friday, July 31, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Elizabethtown with Rev. Shayne Stockton officiating. Burial will follow in Elizabethtown City Cemetery.

Visitation is after 5:00 pm, Thursday July 30, 2026 at the church.

Percell and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.