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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 Gorden) 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 Kelso 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 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services with military rites will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 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 watsonthomas.com.
