Thomas L. Edwards

Thomas Lee Edwards, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at his home with his family by his side, at 9:09 a.m. Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Born February 16, 1948, in Tchula, Mississippi, Thomas was the son of Tommie Lee and Eleanor (Green) Edwards. Thomas graduated from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago. Thomas went on to join the US Army in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1971. On March 11, 1972 Thomas married Gail Thaxton in Chicago, Illinois. Their marriage brought forth 8 children. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2004.

Thomas is survived by two sons, Thomas (LaSondra) Edwards of Chamblee, Georgia and Lemathos Edwards of Galesburg, Illinois; four daughters, Zhivonne Edwards of Stockbridge, Georgia, Gaela Edwards of Peoria, Illinois, Renae (Rick) Miller of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Brittney Edwards of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; and one great grandson. Thomas is also survived by four brothers, Henry (Diane) Edwards of Chicago, Illinois, Donald Edwards of California, Darnell (Kimberly) Edwards of Creedmoor, North Carolina, and Le’on Edwards of Chicago, Illinois; and four sisters, Alice Jean Edwards of Madison, Wisconsin, Annette Watson of Lansing, Michigan, Leonetta (Donnie) Ulrich of Alta Loma, California, and Lillian Edwards of Houston, Texas. Along with his wife and parents, Thomas was preceded in death by two sons, Earryl Edwards on June 16, 2023 and Brion Edwards on April 18, 2022; and two sisters, Patricia Edwards and LeShelle Young.

Thomas worked as a shipping supervisor at NAEIR in Galesburg for over 30 years, retiring on June 27, 2014. Thomas was a man of God, serving as a Deacon at Full Gospel Pentecostal Church and later as a greeter at Bethel Baptist Church. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was playing tennis, tending to his yard, or simply sitting on his front porch. He was family to all his neighbors.

Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with funeral services following at 3 p.m. Memorials contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing.