Mike Thomas, a certified technician who worked for several veterinarians in the Lexington area, has passed away at age 54 from cancer. His service will be held Wednesday (Dec. 27) at the Consolidated Baptist Church on Russell Cave Road. Viewing is from 11:00 to 1:00 and the service begins at 1 pm.
Thomas was well known throughout Lexington and not just in the horse racing community. Thomas was the co-founder of the local charity Community Inspired Solutions. The group's mission is to help decrease violence in Lexington and it works with underprivileged youth in the area. Thomas was inspired to create the charity after the son of a close friend of his, Ron Cowherd, was shot and killed.
Community Inspired Solutions includes several programs that involve horses. One called “Frankie's Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade” is an introduction to the equestrian world and horsemanship. Its intent is to decrease the number of youth in detention while providing a positive environment and a skill. There is also an equine training and employment program that prepares participants for jobs in the equine industry. CIS was established in July 2014.
“He loved his job, he loved what he did,” said his fianc
ée, Stephanie Watkins. “He loved working with horses. He had done it since he was 18 and had a really big passion for it.”Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
