With heavy hearts, we remember our beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, David Kinney Thomas, who passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 38, in
Pocatello, Idaho.
Born December 15, 1987, to Blaine and Kim Thomas, David's life began surrounded by love and family. As a young boy, his earliest adventures were spent exploring the hills near Fort Hall Mine Road, where many cherished family gatherings were held, filled with laughter and love.
From early on, David had heart. He attended Indian Hills Elementary, Irving Junior High, and Century High School. During his school years, he became affectionately known as "Dave". Whether on the football field, the baseball diamond, on the wrestling mat, or just spending time with friends and family, he brought energy and personality wherever he went. David thrived on the support of his family - his dad coaching, his mom cheering, and his siblings always close by. And that closeness remained a defining thread throughout his life. David truly loved his brothers and sisters, and throughout his adventures, he found ways to live, work, and build dreams alongside them.
Following a major foot injury while working in Pocatello, David decided to move to Boise and attend Boise State University's culinary program. David found that standing for long periods became too difficult, so he pivoted with resilience and determination. He became a server and bartended alongside his sister Lisa. Together, they proudly earned multiple Employee of the Month honors.
Life took him from Boise to Montana, to Oregon, to Arizona, and back home again - each place marking a chapter of growth, resilience, and passion. After his foot injury changed his path, David adjusted without losing momentum. He worked hard, laughed often, and found a love that would stay with him: Golf. What started as a job at a golf course turned into a calling, leading him to the Golf Academy of America and years spent pursuing excellence in the game, alongside his big brother B.J.
David was loving, compassionate, tender, and kind. Though not a large man in stature, everyone who knew him would say he had the heart and personality of a giant. He could light up any room with his presence. A natural thrill seeker, he met life head-on with a fearless spirit and open heart. He had a gift for making people feel special - as if they were his favorite - with a simple conversation and his unforgettable smile.
David and his longtime girlfriend, Jasmine Emery, were often the life of the party or concert they attended. Their spark was immediate from the day they met, and together they shared a love of music festivals, dancing, travel, and adventure. Dave even dreamed of one day being on stage himself. David always found beauty in the small things.
David would want us all to love harder, laugh more, worry less, and take chances. He would want each of us to be the very best version of ourselves.
He is survived by his parents, Blaine and Kim (Kinney) Thomas; his sisters Jamie (Matt) Brubaker and Lisa (Kasey) McNabb; his brothers B.J. (Nicole) Thomas and Benjamin Thomas; four nephews, Parker, Titan, Teegan, and Jett; three nieces, Whitney, Reagan, and Harper; his grandmother Linda Holt; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bud and Twila Thomas, David G. Kinney, and Jack Holt.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road,
Chubbuck, ID. Viewings will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 24 and prior to the service on Wednesday, beginning at 1:00 pm.
You beat us to the turn, but we'll see you at the end of the round, Dave. You will forever be in our hearts and so deeply missed. Thank you for loving us in the special, unconditional way that you did. Most of all, thank you for letting us love you. Loving you was the easiest thing to do.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting
wilksfuneralhomes.com
Published by Idaho State Journal on Feb. 24, 2026.