Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

06/05/2026

Finding the perfect song to honor dad may feel a little bit daunting. To give you a place to start as you choose the best music for his personalized final tribute, give these 12 musical selections a listen.

Are you looking for songs to honor your dad at his funeral service? Check out these 12 songs and see if one fits yours needs.

06/02/2026

Making meaningful memories with family lasts more than a lifetime. It brings hope, joy, and laughter - all good things!
What does your family do together to make positive and fulfilling memories? Tell us in the comments!

06/01/2026

Alfred R. Lucy

Alfred Ray Lucy, 80, of Galesburg, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Iowa City, IA, with his son Brad by his side.

Alfred was born on October 3, 1945, the son of Woodrow Briggs and Jessie Louise (Abanathy) Lucy, Sr., in Prince Edward County, Farmville, VA. Alfred was enlisted in the United States Army; having earned the rank of Sergeant E-5; from October 8,1963 – September 21, 1966. During his time in the military, Alfred spent two years in Germany specializing in artillery. Alfred married Susie G. Abbitt on March 21, 1968, in Galesburg, IL Susie preceded him in death on January 6, 2013.

Alfred was a loving father and greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors with his son. He was an avid fisherman, skilled deer hunter, and loved growing large vegetable gardens. Alfred was a proud 50 year member of Laborers Local 538 and worked for Kistler & Co. Construction in Monmouth for 27 years, retiring in 2000.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Brad R. Lucy, of Galesburg; a sister, Florence E. Joachim, Lovingston, VA; as well as several nieces and nephews. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Jessie; wife, Susie, three brothers, Woodrow B. Lucy Jr., John C. Lucy Sr., and James M. Lucy; and one sister, Constance M. Polen.

A brief viewing will be held at Watson – Thomas Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Graveside services will follow immediately after at 2:00 pm at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Military Rites will be provided. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Contributions in Alfred’s memory may be directed to Brad R. Lucy. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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06/01/2026

05/31/2026

Cpt. Thomas G. Worden, Sr.

Thomas G. Worden, Sr., 86, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully, Friday, May 29, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, with his family by his side.

Tom was born May 6, 1940 in Galesburg, the son of Crescent Edward and Victoria Lucille (Swanson) Worden, Sr. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1958. Tom entered the US Navy on February 1, 1960 and married Judith A. Hix on May 11, 1960 in Knoxville, Illinois. While in the Navy, Tom served aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Dyess during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1964. On January 1, 1966, Tom joined the Galesburg Police Department. His career spanned 26 years, retiring as a Captain on January 3, 1992. While on the police force, Tom graduated from Carl Sandburg College with a degree in Police Science, graduated from the FBI National Academy and the US Secret Service Dignitary Protection School.

Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judy, of Galesburg; a daughter, Melissa S. Worden of Galesburg; a son, Thomas G. (Debbie) Worden, Jr. of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Shalane Worden, Hailey (Kyle Gordon) Worden, Michelle (Nolan) McBride, and Megan (Travis) Fohey; eight great grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Myli. Along with his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two sisters, Eileen Nelson and Joan Webber; and one brother, Crescent Worden, Jr.

In 1989, Tom and Judy started and produced an outdoor show that aired on local and area television until he sold it to a partner in 1995. He loved fishing and was a charter member of the Galesburg area Bass Club. Following his retirement from the police force, Tom worked the Lake Patrol at Oak Run from 1996 until 2009. He was a longtime member of Illinois PB&PA (Police Benevolent and Protective Association) as well as a member of the Fr. J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556. He was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services with military rites will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Andrew Spataro will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following services. Private family burial will be at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/29/2026

Cheryl A. Clark

Cheryl Ann Clark, 67, of Canton, Illinois, formerly of Abingdon, Illinois, died unexpectedly Monday, 25, 2026 at home.

Cheryl was born October 9, 1958, in Newport News, Virginia, the daughter of Oscar William and Patricia Ann (Krout) Guthrie. Cheryl married Lloyd Gene Clark, Jr. on October 31, 1993 in Pine Springs, Texas. He preceded her in death on August 1, 2022.

Cheryl is survived by her three daughters, Carla (Mike) Shelley of Pittsburg, Texas, Misty Campbell of Abingdon, and Sarah Espinoza of California; three sons, James (Brandi) Brown of San Angelo, Texas, William Lynch of Galesburg, Illinois, and Marlin Brown of Peoria, Illinois; and one brother, Jimmy (Cindy) Guthrie of Yelm, Washington. Cheryl is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Brittany, Kimberlynn, Jeramy, Caylynn, Regina, Madison, Jazzmynn, Cameron, Kadence; and nine great grandchildren. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sisters.

Cheryl enjoyed spending time at home with her family and completing diamond puzzles, working on coloring books, and reading. Cheryl was a movie buff and had amassed a large DVD collection. Aside from her family, Cheryl shared her love with her dog, Persephone.

Cremation will be accorded, and no services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Cheryl A. Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/29/2026

Grief ebbs and flows, and some days can be harder than others. The anniversary of a loved one's death is one of those days. To learn 9 tips to help you cope with your loved one's deathiversary, read the article below.

The anniversary of a loved one's death can be a difficult day. Learn about 9 different ways you can cope with a loved one's deathiversary here.

05/29/2026

Earl D. Sandry

Earl Dean Sandry, 87, of Oneida, Illinois, died peacefully, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 5:25 p.m. at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois, with his family by his side.

Earl was born August 21, 1938, in Viking, Minnesota, the son of Bert Rebne and Martha Ellen (Hill) Sandry. Earl graduated from Fosston High School in Fosston, MN and went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Three Rivers, Alberta, Canada from 1956 to 1958. He then attended Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN in 1959. On December 20, 1960, Earl enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. He served in Minnesota until 1963 when he transferred to the Illinois National Guard. Earl was honorably discharged on February 10, 1967. During that time Earl married Joanne Clifford on March 14, 1964 at the Presbyterian Church in Oneida, Illinois.

Earl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne of Oneida, Illinois; two nephews, Andrew (Katie) Adams of Chicago, Illinois and Damon (Beth) Shea of Oneida, Illinois; three nieces, Susan (John) Holtrup of Elmhurst, Illinois, Margot (Mike) Swienton of Berthoud, Colorado, and Martha Shea of Galesburg; one brother, Robert Sandry of Ocala, Florida; one sister, Helen Shea of Wataga, Illinois; and a sister-in-law, Carlene Sandry of Galesburg. Earl is also survived by his seven great nieces and nephews, Katie (Jason) Schlueter, Hannah Clark, Kevin (Missy) Holtrup, Brandon (Emily) Holtrup, Max (Kailey) Swienton, Mallory Shea, and Brady Shea; and his five great great nieces and nephews, Violet and Henry Schlueter, Teagan, Eleana, and Brecken Holtrup. Along with his parents, Earl was preceded in death by five brothers, Alfred, John, Merle, Verne, and Harry.

Earl worked in maintenance for the Woodhull Co-Op from 1975 until his retirement in 2017. In 1979 Earl joined the Oneida Fire Department where he would eventually become Fire Chief. He retired from AOW Fire in 2004. Earl carried his EMT License for over 20 years. While on the fire department, Earl became active with the youth burn camp in Illinois (Camp I am ME). He was active assisting in taking youth to camp every summer for many years.

Earl spent many years as a member of the Oneida Lions Club where he oversaw the youth baseball league for 13 years. Aside from being dedicated to his work, Earl loved to spend time working in his shop and was proficient in all tools and was an accomplished welder. He served 42 years on the Gregg Memorial Library Board in Oneida. Earl was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and would do anything for anyone.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. Pastor David Pyell will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Earl to Camp I Am Me or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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05/28/2026

Cathy A. Wollum

Cathy Ann Wollum, 77, of Galesburg, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Cathy was born on July 9, 1948, the daughter of S. Howard and Dorothy (Cull) Simon, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s in education from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Cathy was employed with Western Illinois Works in Galesburg, Illinois for over 20 years, retiring in 2020.

Cathy was a devoted daughter and sister, and her family loved being around her. She had a beautiful way of finding joy in the simplest things, and her wonder and appreciation for life were contagious. Her generosity was reflected in her talent for always choosing the perfect gift.

Her family and friends enjoyed the vast array of beautiful Christmas cookies she so lovingly baked every year. The recipes she proudly passed down to her nieces are sure to live on for generations.

Cathy was an enthusiastic gardener. She loved her gorgeous flowers and was always willing to share her gardening knowledge with others.

She took great pride in being the family historian, ensuring family pictures and memorabilia were all held in safekeeping. She could locate a 100-year-old photo at a moment’s notice.

Cathy was the “fun aunt.” She had a knack for understanding how children view the world and meeting them where they were. She was so generous with her nine nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and great nephews, who she spoiled whenever the opportunity arose. They will all deeply miss her.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, S. Howard and Dorothy, and a nephew, Aaron Simon.

Those left to cherish her memory include her siblings; Barry (Abby) Simon, of Boston, Massachusetts, Suellen (Jim) Purlee, of Galesburg, Dennis Simon, of Freeport, Illinois, Richard Simon, of Pheonix, Arizona, William (Sheila) Simon, of South Haven, Michigan, and Sara Simon, of Lagrange Park, Illinois; as well several beloved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and Watson-Thomas Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Those who wish to give a contribution in Cathy’s memory may do so to donor’s choice. Thoughts of sympathy and memories may be shared on Cathy’s page at watsonthomas.com.

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05/27/2026

Rex L. Wilson

Rex Lee Wilson, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Rex was born on May 26, 1942, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Ralph Lee and Dorothy Leona (Johnson) Wilson.

In first grade, Rex met a young lady named Pegge Ann Bair while attending school in Henderson, Illinois. They reconnected at age 13 and remained sweethearts until they were married on July 22, 1961, in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they had four children, all of whom are still alive: Christi (Randal) Rust of Dallas, Texas; Dorothy Tapscott of Galesburg; Sherri Corder of Rock Island; and Mark Wilson of Clovis, California. Rex is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren, Tristan (Savannah) Tapscott, Jared (Ashleigh) Tapscott, Ethan (Emillie) Tapscott, Channing Empson, Chandler Swanner, Anika (Cody) Okerson, Hunter Corder, and Keely Wilson; and six adored great-grandchildren, Capria’Lee Empson, Harper Tapscott, McKenlee Empson, Re*****on Tapscott, River Tapscott, and Baby Tappy. Also surviving are two brothers, Roger (Roberta) Wilson of Knoxville, Illinois, and Rodney Wilson of Pensacola, Florida; his former wife of 40+ years, Pegge; and all his critters.

Rex worked at Gates Rubber Co. in Galesburg for more than 30 years, retiring as a supervisor. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating and fishing at Little John Conservation Club. He was an avid collector of miniature trains, vintage toys, and other antiques, and he enjoyed watching old movies, especially Abbott and Costello. Rex found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee and his dogs while visiting with neighbors, going to his favorite restaurant, Coney Island, for a classic coney dog, tending his yard, and woodcarving. Above all, Rex loved his family and often worked two jobs to support them.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Mausoleum Chapel at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wildlife Prairie Park. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to this family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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