It’s official: Knox County will have a new coroner following the 2024 general election. Knox County Coroner Mark Thomas announced Thursday he will not seek re-election after 19 years in the position.
WGIL reported last week that Thomas did not plan to run for a sixth term. Thomas became deputy coroner for Coroner John Watson in 1998 and was elected to the first of his five terms as Knox County Coroner in 2004.
In a news release, Thomas said, “Serving and caring for the citizens of Knox County has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
Thomas praised the services of the volunteer EMS and fire services in Knox County, along with the Galesburg Police and Fire departments.
“While I will miss the people I have worked with as Knox County Coroner, my wife Tricia, and my two sons, Andrew and Luke, have sacrificed much over the years and it is time for me to give more time and attention to them,” Thomas said. “Tricia and I are looking forward to placing our entire professional focus on our community through our funeral home, Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve you, the citizens of Knox County, as your Coroner since 2004. Thank you for entrusting me to care for you all.”
Jacque Dare, a longtime patrol deputy with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, has announced she will be a Republican candidate for the position of Knox County coroner in 2024.
The 2024 general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. The Illinois primary is scheduled for March 19.