John L. Thomas

John L. Thomas, 73, of Galesburg, entered eternal rest at home on Friday, June 11, 2026.

John was born at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg on May 3, 1953, the son of Jay and Helen (Simpson) Thomas. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1971, John went to work for Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg. It is there that he began his lifelong career as a welder, on May 17, 1971. John retired from Butler on April 8, 2005. After retiring from Butler, John worked for Midstate Manufacturing in Galesburg, as a welder until fully retired.

Although John had no formal education after high school he was well read and was a self-taught intellectual. He enjoyed talking and sometimes debating with friends all in good spirits. John was a quiet simple man with a huge heart. The huge heart was a gift from his mom, Helen. He was a good son, and brother. John was an easy-going friend who was always ready to lend a helping hand or provide helpful tips on any project.

John was a caregiver to his parents for many years eventually moving in with his mother to give continual care until she passed away in 2017. John was an avid and knowledgeable collector of firearms. An interest he shared with his father.

John had a love for animals. He enjoyed having horses at his parents’ farm and the companionship of his many pups over the years.

John is survived by his sister Jean Howerton and his niece Jennifer. John was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Helen, and his sister, Julie Ann Thomas. A special expression of appreciation to John’s friend and lawn maintenance man, John Gray, who became a caregiver to John over the last several years due to his decline in health.

Cremation has been accorded with private burial. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.