We believe that our commitment to families is firmly rooted in our proud history. We invite you to read our story and learn more about the experienced professionals who are here to support and guide you in your time of need.
About Watson-Thomas Funeral Home
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home is deeply rooted in Galesburg and the Knox County Area. J.P. Foley entered the Funeral Business in the late 1800s and in 1926 built the Foley Mortuary on North Broad Street. Upon his death, the mortuary was owned and operated by his son, John Foley until his death in December 1977.
It was at this time that the Watson Family moved to Galesburg and after purchasing the mortuary from the Foley family operated it as Foley-Watson Mortuary until 1988. In 1988, the new Watson Funeral Home was constructed at its present location. In late 2009 John’s longtime employee Mark Thomas and his wife Tricia purchased the funeral home from John and Peg. In August, 2012 the business was renamed Watson-Thomas Funeral Home.
Recognizing the changing trends in funeral service, Mark and Tricia added new services to the funeral home in 2014. The Thomas Legacy Center was built on the funeral home grounds. This building houses our crematory, as well as our community room, offering families a different option for a celebration of life or an after funeral dinner. This room is also available to rent to the community for events not related to a funeral.
Watson Thomas Funeral Home is proud of have received the Illinois Funeral Directors Association’s Illinois Award for Funeral Service Distinction in 2021, 2022, and 2023. We also received the National Funeral Directors Association Pursuit of Excellence Award in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023. Along with the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Excellence Award for 2020/2021.
Mark and Tricia and Watson Thomas Funeral Home love to invite widows each year to the Widows Valentine Luncheon, sponsoring “Hoops for Hope” at Galesburg High School during a basketball game to support Organ Donation and proudly sponsored and started the All American Ale fundraiser with The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales to raise funds for our local honor guard.
At Watson Thomas Funeral Home we believe the most important asset of the Galesburg community is the people and businesses who call it home. Watson Thomas proudly supports community events and takes great honor is serving this great community we call home.