Thomas C. O'Brien, Jr.

Thomas Charles O’Brien Jr. passed away on the morning of October 16th, 2016, just a few of days after his 94th birthday. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth (Collins) O’Brien, by his second wife, Eunice (Brantingham) O’Brien, by his two children, Thomas C. O’Brien III and Lorraine (O’Brien) Seggelke, by his brother Marcus O’Brien, and by his parents, Thomas C. O’Brien Sr. and Genevieve (Sullivan) O’Brien. He is survived by his one granddaughter, Elizabeth Seggelke Rohn, currently residing in Indianapolis. During his lifetime, Tom had many different occupations in the greater Galesburg area. In his youth, Tom farmed with his Dad and worked for the CB&Q railroad before joining the Army Air Force. After his time as a serviceman in WWII, Tom sold tractors and trucks in the Midwest. He spent the remainder of his career selling cars here in Galesburg on North Henderson. He was Commander of the local American Legion Post #285 twice, and remained active with the Legion's Color Guard and Honor Guard until just a few years ago, attending parades, ceremonies and military funerals across Knox County and beyond. Local residents knew Tom from his family's O'Brien Silverleaf Farm, his time as a car salesman, his efforts with local Catholic schools and churches, and his 1916 Model T Ford, which he proudly drove in local parades for many years. Those who knew him well will remember Tom as a witty storyteller with a dry sense of humor and wry smile. He will be missed by all who knew him, Irish or not. A wake will be held for Tom on Thursday, October 20th from 5-6:30pm with rosary at 6:30pm at Watson Thomas Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church on Friday, October 21st at 10am. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with military honors performed by the VFW 2257/Legion 285 Veterans Honor Guard. A luncheon will be held at IHM immediately following the burial. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or the American Legion Galesburg Post #285. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.