Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

04/02/2026

Cristopher L. Taylor

Cristopher Lyn Taylor, 45, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 6:56 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Cris was born July 9, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of James Donald and Hazel Patricia (Thompson) Taylor, Sr.

Cris married Amanda Rae Matuszyk on February 12, 2011 in Butts County, Georgia. Amanda preceded Cris in death on January 26, 2023.

Cris is survived by one son, Christopher James Taylor of Kewanee, Illinois; one daughter, Averie Elizabeth Mae Taylor of Kewanee; three stepdaughters, Naomi Evans of Galesburg, Emma Evans of Kewanee, and Zoe Evans of Galesburg; one brother, Gregory Taylor of Clayton County, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, Cris was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Taylor, Jr; and one sister, Susie Ison.

Cris worked at Tyson Foods. He enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Cremation will be accorded. 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.

03/30/2026

03/28/2026

Warren L. Hatch

Warren Lee Hatch, 75, originally of Victoria, Illinois but recently of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Allure of Lake Story in Galesburg.

Warren was born June 25, 1950, the son of Rolland Warren and Dorothy Mae (Brown) Hatch in Galesburg, Illinois. He was a Victoria United Methodist Church member since birth. Warren graduated from ROVA High School and continued to have a career as the Superintendent of the City’s Public Works Department in Victoria, Illinois for over 40 years. He retired in 2012.

Warren was an avid car enthusiast. He was a proud member of the Victoria/Copley Township Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for 36 years. In his free time, Warren enjoyed hunting and fishing around Victoria. He gained “lifetime membership status” at Little John Conservation Club, having been a member for over 40 years. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals. Warren enjoyed stopping in at Nowhere Bar & Grill in Victoria to have the “Warren Burger,” which was lovingly named after him, and a Keystone Light… or two.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Rolland and Dorothy; as well as two sisters, Brenda Coffey and Joyce Dahl.

Those left to cherish his memory include a son, Joe (Amy) Hatch, Oneida, Illinois; daughter, Nicole (Eric) Gans, Plainfield, Illinois; and grandchildren, Mallory (Dalton), Brandon, Madison, Lauren, and Sarah. Warren was expecting his first great grandson in July, which he was very proud and excited about. He is also survived by a niece, Amanda Dahl and two nephews, Rob and Phil Coffey.

Cremation will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4,2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg, Illinois. All friends and family are encouraged to join for food and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, donations in Warren’s memory may be made to Little John Conservation Club or the Victoria/Copley Township Fire Department. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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03/27/2026

Robert L. Helton

Robert Lee Helton, 52, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at home Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Robert was born December 9, 1973, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of David Junior and Grace Ola (Lindsay) Helton. Robert received his BS in Criminal Justice from Western Illinois University and his MS in Public Administration from San Diego State University.

Robert’s passion in life was advocating for those who couldn’t and helping others receive an education. These passions led him to a career as Dean of Students at Lakeland College and most recently had been appointed at Assistant Warden of Programs at Henry C. Hill Correctional Center.

Robert is survived by one son; one daughter; his fiancé, Zeena V. Ellison of Galesburg; a brother, Floyd (Kassandra) Helton of Wyandotte, Michigan; a sister, Faye (Kurt) Koepp of Toulon, Illinois; and a special uncle, James (Janette) Vaughn of McAlester, Oklahoma. Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

In his free time, Robert enjoyed being outdoors, from golfing to riding his motorcycle and mountain bike. He also liked to spend time walking with Zeena. He was an avid swimmer and was committed to fitness.

Robert will be remembered for his selfless and giving heart and as a man who was always there for others.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to IL-CHEP (Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison). Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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03/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/WatsonThomasFH/posts/pfbid02gJJHxvbTFxiUdokW2AhrmgmnQ7DKFTeJCbrw5hj19rnm4V4fHKtX7X8cAjaN5Jdol #

View Michael J. Steines's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

Norma Jean McKie

Norma Jean McKie, 94, of Oneida, Illinois, died peacefully at Hawthorne Inn, Galesburg, Illinois at 3:26 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Jean was born September 30, 1931, at home in rural Knox County, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest Victor “Vic” and Edith Marie (Huber) Swanson. She was united in marriage to Samuel Vance McKie on June 17, 1956, in Abingdon, Illinois. Jean and Sam enjoyed 63 years of marriage until his death on August 22, 2019.

Jean is survived by one daughter, Melinda Cation of Oneida; one son, Tom (Dawn) McKie of Cambridge; and six grandchildren, Lindsay (José Jimenez) Cation, Amanda (Andrew) Weedman, Alex (Lisa Dixon) Cation, Kiersten (Charlie) Brown, Kendall (Taylor) Constable, and Nathan (Tametra Pauli) Cation. She is also survived by her beloved nine great grandchildren, Marley, Lincoln, Sterling, Selena, Maverick, Walker, Isabella, Nora, Ava, and her tenth great grandchild, a baby girl due in April. Along with parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Henson.

Jean attended Illinois State University where she earned her BS in Education. She later went on to the University of Illinois where she earned her MS in Education. Jean went on to teach at ROVA schools for four years, until she became a stay-at-home mother to raise her children. She eventually returned to teaching as a home economics teacher at Knoxville Schools for 20 years, retiring on June 4, 1987. Jean knew the value of education, serving as a supervising teacher for ISU and University of Illinois for many years as well as serving on various state education committees throughout the years. Having a knack for understanding writing styles, Jean also worked for many years as a graph analyst.

Jean was a devoted farm wife and mother and relished her later years becoming a grandma and eventually a great grandma. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bridge with friends, completing crossword puzzles, and the quiet comfort of a good book. She was a longtime member of Oneida Presbyterian Church; Home Economist; Oneida Women’s Club; Chapter NK of PEO; and served as a Board Member and Past President for several years of Greig Memorial Library, Oneida, as well as being a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Visitation and funeral services for Jean will be Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor David Pyell officiating. Burial will follow at Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greig Memorial Library or the OW Fire Protection District. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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03/27/2026

Have you heard of funeral honorariums? If you haven't, check out this brief article that answers key questions about honorariums, including what they are and who receives them. And if you have more questions, just give us a call, and we'll provide the answers you need.

Did you know that an honorarium is customary when you perform specific roles at a funeral? Check out this article to learn more!

03/26/2026

As part of our ongoing effort as the only locally owned full service funeral home in Knox and Henderson County, we often feel memberships provide our staff a great opportunity to continue to provide you with the most professional and personal services possible. We feel CANA (Cremation Association of North America) is one of them.

03/25/2026

James E. Hasselbacher

James “Jim” E. Hasselbacher, 85, died at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday March 19, 2026 at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.

He was born December 20, 1940, the son of George and Helga (Carlson) Hasselbacher at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg. He married Brenda Mae Burwell January 12, 1974 in Wyoming Illinois. There were married for over 41 years when she preceded him in death on June 11, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father; one granddaughter Ashley Dawn Hasselbacher, four-year-old daughter of Jeffery and Carrie (Redding) Hasselbacher. Ashley died at Children's Hospital in Charlston, SC; two brothers Charles Hasselbacher and George Hasselbacher, and two sisters Helen (Hasselbacher) Sandberg and Sarah (Hasselbacher) Mabry.

He is survived by his children, William (Georgia) Hasselbacher of Hephzibah, Georgia, Jeffery (Renee Welch} Hasselbacher of Hutchinson, Minnesota, Shelley Hasselbacher of Columbia, South Carolina, and James R. (Theresia) Hasselbacher of Lexington, South Carolina; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Jim attended Galesburg High School and received his GED in the Navy. He joined the

U.S. Navy in December 1957. He served 4 years of active duty. He was a Petty Officer second class sonarman serving aboard U.S.S. Carpenter D.D.E. 825 home ported in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1961.

Jim graduated from Carl Sandburg College with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked at the Rock Island Millwork in Rock Island, Illinois, Eagle Foods in Milan, Illinois, Brown Specialty in Galesburg and the Galesburg Police Department for 23 years where he retired as Lieutenant of Police. Jim taught Police Community Relations at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. He belonged to the Police Benevolent and Protective Association, Illinois Police Association, Dew Dusters Golf League, and the Elks Club. Jim enjoyed vacations with his beloved wife Brenda, playing golf, poker (Texas Hold ‘em), fishing, shooting s***t and trap, and hunting.

Cremation Rites will be accorded. No services are planned per his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials can be made to the charity of Donor's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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03/24/2026

March is here and that means warmer weather is coming. Whether you’re into March Madness or simply look forward to the end of winter, what do you love most about March?

03/24/2026

Thomas J. Carruthers

Thomas James Carruthers, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 1:04 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

Tom was born July 24, 1954 in Moline, Illinois, the son of James Alex and June (Fraikes) Carruthers. Tom was united in marriage to Glenda Sue Akers on August 10, 1974 at the Toulon Methodist Church, Toulon, Illinois. Shortly after Tom began working for the US Postal Service, a career that spanned 36 years, retiring in 2013.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Glenda; a son, Tyson Carruthers of Hollywood, Maryland; and eight grandchildren, Tyler, Addisyn, MacKenzie, Lyric, Dax, and Johniyah, Johnalyn, and J.T. whom Glenda and Tom had been raising since 2022. Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Carruthers on October 20, 2022; his parents; and a nephew.

Tom was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and New York Yankees fan. Family meant the most to Tom, he loved his grandchildren more than anything.

Cremation will be accorded. No public services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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03/23/2026

James Steven Tolle, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Jim or Jimmy as he was known. He left this world on March 17th of 2026, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. His departure has left us with a deep sense of loss and sadness.

Jimmy, born on October 25th, 1972, in Galesburg, Illinois, lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and unwavering determination. He embraced every challenge with grace and faced adversity with unwavering strength. Throughout his journey, he touched countless lives with his kindness, wisdom, and infectious laughter.

As a loving father, husband, son, and brother, Jim nurtured a loving and close-knit family. He was the cherished husband of Ginnye, and together they created a beautiful legacy of love and devotion. His son Jason was his pride and joy, whom he loved so dearly. His warm presence and unconditional love will forever be missed. Jim leaves behind wife Ginnye, son Jason (Amber), Mother Patricia “Pat”, sister Teresa, nephews Alex, Clayton, Xander Xenthius, along with many aunts, uncles and friends. He is also preceded in death by his father Steve.

Jimmy was a true trailblazer, leaving an incredible mark on the world. He pursued a successful career in Parks and Recreation, where his talent, dedication, and innovative spirit led to numerous accomplishments. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in caring for the beauty of nature.

In remembering Jim, we honor the vibrant spirit that radiated from within him.

He had insatiable curiosity and a contagious zest for life. Whether it was his love for pool and gem mining or his ability to make everyone feel valued and heard, he had a remarkable way of brightening even the darkest of days through his corny jokes and amazing smile. Jim/Jimmy will be in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, forever to be cherished in memory.

Local services for Jimmy will be at St. Patrick Catholich Church, Galesburg, Illinois on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. with a funeral mass following at 11:00 a.m. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg with a luncheon following at the church.

A service will be held at a later date in North Carolina to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, PO Box 1912, East Greenwich, RI. 02818 or Partners for Parks, Latta Place https://partnersforparks.org/directory/mcpr-latta-place/.

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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