Kenneth Lee Thompson, age 80, passed away at home on July 29, 2026. He was born on May 8, 1946, to the late Ulysses S. Thompson and Emma Estep Thompson.

Kenneth cherished the time he got to spend with his family, his home was often filled with generations of family on weekends, birthdays and holidays. He enjoyed genealogy so much he would ride a 4-wheeler to old cemeteries to look for graves and travel to meet strangers and listen to their family stories. Ken had a passion for gardening, especially tomatoes. Every year he planned for a bigger garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He always watched UK men's basketball even in the tough years. His love, wisdom, and quiet strength is what held the family close together when the love of his life and mother of his children, Bonnie, passed away in 2015 and it will be remembered and carried on by his family.

Kenneth retired in 2008 as a Steelworker at INCO Alloys after 36 years. He also worked at Federal Glass in Columbus and at the Carpet Mill after moving his family back to Louisa. When he was younger, Ken and his family set hundreds of headstones around Lawrence County. He also enjoyed working on and racing cars.

Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ada Bonita "Bonnie" Preece Thompson; his parents, Ulysses S. and Emma Estep Thompson; his great-grandson, Brayden Michael Davis; and his siblings, Finley (Ethel) Thompson, Pauline (Robert) Adams, Wauleka (James) Swann, Jane (Stan) Preston, Richard (Ginny and Ann) Thompson, Loretta (Harold) Salyers, and Carol (Emmitt and Doug) Pack.

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his son, Michael Thompson and his daughter, Krista (Robert) Kiser. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather Thompson, Brigette Thompson, Rachel (Tarek) Salman, Tristan Thompson, Seth (Haylee) Kiser, and Ross (Keeley) Kiser.

Kenneth was blessed with many great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Jordyn, Sydnie, Maryam, Kinsley, Jett, Ollie, Milo, Broedy, Yaseen, Sayf, Adam, Sevin, Hendrix, and Noah.

He is also survived by his sisters, EmmaRitta (Paul) Burgett, Bonnie (Michael) Kitchen, and Patty (Gary) Preston, and by his brother, Ulysses "Buddy" (Mary) Thompson, Jr., along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation is from 11am to 2pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Wilson's Funeral Home in Louisa, KY. Funeral services will then be held at 2pm. Following the service, Kenneth will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at the Preece Memorial Cemetery.

Kenneth's life was defined by his love for his family and the values he passed on through the generations. Though he has departed this earthly life, the love he shared and the memories he helped create will remain in the hearts of his family forever.