Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

08/04/2025

On an average day, the U.S. Coast Guard conducts search and rescues missions, protects our borders, responds to hazardous spills, and prevents illegal substances from coming into the country. Thank you, Coast Guard, for doing so much to keep us all safe!

08/01/2025

Would you like to learn more about the intricacies of Jewish funeral customs? Check out this informative article about 10 traditional Jewish funeral practices and their role in the grief journey.

Curious about traditional Jewish funeral customs? Check out this informative article about 10 traditions you'll see practice in Judaism.

07/30/2025

Summer can be a great time to bring bright decor into your house! Discover some fun ways you can spruce up your home--inside and out--in the article below.

Use our best summer decor ideas to channel the laid-back attitude of the season for a bright and warm-weather-infused makeover.

07/29/2025

Jack L. Howerter

Jack L. Howerter, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 11:32 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.

Jack was born on June 13, 1939 in Galesburg, the son of Harry L. and Mildred E. (Johnson) Howerter. Jack grew up in Victoria, Illinois, graduating from ROVA High School in 1957. He went on to work for a time with his dad at their garage in Victoria. Jack eventually began working for the phone company in Galesburg in 1965. He eventually retired in 1993.

Jack married Delores J. Schroeder on September 16, 1978 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2019. Jack is survived by two daughters, Rita (Bob) Fitzsimmons and Lisa (Jim) Blake both of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Kate (Tom) Cross, Pat (Michelle) Fitzsimmons, Kelsey (Kurt) Mehlin, David (Andi Hendrix) Blake, and Mike Howerter; and eight great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by two brothers, Harry Howerter and Danny (Carol) Howerter both of Galesburg; two sisters-in-law, Connie Howerter and Jan (Neill) Unger; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Along with his wife and parents Jack was preceded in death by a son, Darin Howerter on March 28, 2024; a brother, Thomas; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Howerter and Karen (Gary) Thomas.

Jack enjoyed the outdoors. He and Dee camped together for many years, owning at lot at Oak Run. He enjoyed boating and fishing with his brothers, resulting in many fish fry’s throughout the years. Jack loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and attending Marshall Madness Family Reunions. He enjoyed playing his banjo and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed in Jack’s memory to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Jack L. Howerter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2025

Judy E. Buchanan

Judy Elizabeth Mecum Buchanan, nicknamed Tootsie by a lot of people mainly her dad, 78, of Biggsville, Illinois, died at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, Illinois. She was surrounded by love in the time of her passing with all her children at her side.

Judy was born July 27, 1946 in Plymouth, Illinois, the daughter of Thelbert Joseph and Lula Belle (Martin) Mecum. She married Gary L. (Buck) Buchanan on June 6, 1965 in Roseville, Illinois. Together they celebrated 39 years of marriage prior to his death on December 15, 2004.

Judy is survived by one son, Wade (Christina) Buchanan of Long Lane, Missouri; two daughters, Dawn Buchanan of Monmouth and Tawnya (Buck Morrison) Rotz; eight grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren with one on the way. Judy is also survived by three brothers, Jim (Marcia) Mecum of Florida, Ben (June) Mecum of Swan Creek, Illinois, and Roger (Diane) Mecum of Grinnell, Iowa; and one sister, Shirley Ann (Raymond) Hastings of Kirkwood, Illinois. Along with her husband and parents, Judy was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Francis; and two sisters, Wilma and Dot.

While raising the children, Judy worked numerous jobs to help provide for the family, including babysitting and at the same time cleaning wild fresh game ducks and geese for the area hunters, often beginning at 4:00 a.m. In 1985, Judy and Buck moved to Florida. They lived there until 1992 when they returned to Illinois and became snowbirds until Gary’s passing. While living in Florida, Judy worked at Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs. Her last job was at Country Fun in Biggsville. In her younger years Judy participated in numerous tractor pulls and was a natural from the very start and won first and second prize almost every time they competed. Above all she loved her family and enjoyed the friendly confines of her home. She could often be found crocheting or watching television, especially her favorite shows like Family Feud, Price is Right, and all classic tv.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Turnbull Funeral Home, Oquawka, Illinois, with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. Rev. James Epperson will officiate. Burial will be at Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Judy E. Buchanan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2025

Alice U. Smith

Alice U. Smith, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, went to be with the Lord, at 12:41 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Alice was born March 9, 1934 in Georgiana, Alabama, the daughter of Melvin and Velma (Gipson) Mims, Sr. She married James E. Smith in Galesburg, Illinois. Alice is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Rev. Robert) Smith-Donaldson of Galesburg and Angela Smith of Tamarac, Florida; five sons, James Smith of Peoria, Illinois, Michael Smith of Galesburg, Tommy Smith of Joliet, Illinois, Tony Smith and Keith Smith both of Galesburg; seven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. Alice is also survived by one brother, Rev. John H. (Vicki) Mims of Quincy, Illinois; and two sisters, Dorothy Wilson and Gloria Williams both of Galesburg. Along with her parents, Alice was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde Mims and Melvin Mims, Jr; and two sisters, Rosie Lewis and Imeater Davidson.

Alice was never afraid of hard work. She worked as a cook for many years. She managed a small restaurant on West Berrien in 1976. Her other notable places were Augies, Knox Manor, and Marigold Nursing Home. She retired in 1998. Her love of cooking carried into her home. She enjoying creating wonderful meals to share with her family and friends. She was a faithful Christian and was a long standing member at Second Baptist Church in Galesburg. In her free time, Alice enjoyed tending to her many house plants.

Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Robert Donaldson will officiate. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Alice’s memory to Star of Bethlehem Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Alice U. Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/28/2025

07/26/2025

Gerald "Gary" Smith

Gerald D. “Gary” Smith, 82, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:05 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg.

Gary was born December 1, 1942 in Galesburg, the son of Clyde R. and Evelyn J. (Clifford) Smith. After graduating high school Gary enlisted in the US Air Force serving 4 years and was honorably discharged on June 19, 1964. On February 5, 1966, Gary married Patty Jo Camren in Galesburg. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage until her death on November 3, 2010.

Gary is survived by two daughters, Lauri L. (Robert) Sparks of Jasonville, Indiana and Julie M. Ballard of Peoria, Illinois; one son, Jerry of Galesburg, three grandchildren, Nazareth (Joy) Lamay, Lacy Mason, and Joe Ballard; as well as two great grandchildren, Viola and Albert. Gary is also survived by one brother, Dale Smith of Galesburg; and one sister, Carol Vericella of Normal, Illinois. Along with his wife, Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary worked for Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad for 23 years, retiring as an electronics technician. He was a faithful catholic and member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church as well as being a third-degree member of Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556. An avid hunter, Gary enjoyed both shotgun and archery seasons for deer. He also enjoyed duck hunting. He golfed many rounds with his friends and was a fan of both the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg with the funeral mass following at 12:00 p.m. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial with military rites will follow at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Lupus Foundation of America. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Gerald "Gary" Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/25/2025

While funerals of the past were more cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all style events, that’s not true anymore. Check out this article to learn more about funeral personalization and how it’s changing the way we honor and remember the lives of those we love.

Funerals aren't one-size-fits-all. In fact, funeral personalization is key to creating a meaningful and healing tribute. Click for more!

07/23/2025

Susan K. Ward

Susan Kay Ward, 75, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 10:55 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

Susan was born in Bushnell, Illinois the daughter of Homer E. and Margaret E. (Andrews) Ward.

Susan graduated from Galesburg High School in 1968. As a junior in high school Susan began working at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. She would retire after 45 years as the dietary supervisor. Susan then went on to volunteer at Cottage Hospital for many years. Susan bowled and golfed in a number of leagues over the years. She also enjoyed her large family gatherings. Through her generous nature, Susan was able to give the gift of sight by donating her eyes to Eversight.

Susan is survived by her siblings, Ronald (Karla) Ward of Wataga, Illinois, Mary Ann Wensel of Galesburg, Sally (Jim) Wardell of rural Monmouth, Illinois, John (Kathleen) Ward of Henderson, Illinois, Gary (the late Terry) Ward of Monmouth, and Peggy (Steve) Redfern of Galesburg. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be accorded. Private burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. A celebration of life for Susan will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, FISH Food Pantry, or a charity of the donor’s choosing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Susan K. Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/23/2025

Have you ever had an online account hacked? Maybe you got locked out or were erased from the platform. If you need to recover from being hacked, check out this article. cutt.ly/regain-control-of-hacked-accounts

07/23/2025

Marilyn F. Mellican

Marilyn F. Mellican, 89, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois. She was born in Galesburg on December 1, 1935, the daughter of George and Mary (Gschwend) Norquist.

Marilyn married Theodore “Ted” Mellican on June 2, 1956 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2018.

Marilyn was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She liked to cook, entertain, and decorate for any occasion.

Marilyn is survived by two children, Stephen of Washington, Illinois and Sarah of Galesburg; three grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by one son, Scott on August 1, 2020; three brothers, Bob, Ed, and Bill Norquist; and three sisters, Helene Duncan, Betty Dredge, and Virginia Vinson.

The rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with the funeral mass following at 10:00 a.m. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society or OSF Health Care Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Marilyn F. Mellican's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.