About Us

During a loss, you need the help of compassionate experts who can offer guidance and support throughout the planning process. At Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, we believe every life deserves to be celebrated. Our mission is to assist families in creating personalized funeral experiences that honor the lives of their loved ones.

For many years, we have served our community by providing healing and meaningful funeral and memorial services that honor life and meet the needs of those who grieve. Our hope is that from the moment you walk through our doors, you feel welcomed, respected, and heard.

History

History of Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

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 for the community to rent for events unrelated to a funeral. In 2017, the Thomas Pet Crematory was added to the services provided by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.


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, 2023, and 2024 and the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Excellence Award for 2020/2021. The funeral home earned the Outstanding Services Award in 2024 by the Lipanda Foundation, and Tricia was recognized as businesswoman of the year in 2024 by the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner.


Mark, Tricia, and Watson-Thomas Funeral Home love to invite widows each year to the Widows' Valentine's Luncheon, sponsor “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 assets of the Galesburg community are 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.


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 he 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, the Watsons 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. 

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Our staff is here to provide you with excellent care and service during your time of loss. Get to know the people who will help you through the planning process.

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Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory & Thomas Legacy Center

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