Thomas L. Pullen OBITUARY

Thomas L. Pullen OBITUARY

Thomas L. Pullen, 82, of Gladstone, Illinois, died peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Stronghurst, Illinois. Judge Pullen had a noteworthy law career in Chicago and Washington DC leading to his 1997 selection as Deputy Chief Immigration Judge. This role placed him in the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (OCIJ), the component within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) responsible for overseeing and managing the nation’s immigration courts.

Judge Pullen was preceded in death by his parents and his life partner of 39 years, Peter Ferenczy.

Family and friends will begin gathering at 11:30am Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, Illinois. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 12:00pm CT. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mellinger Foundation, 1025 East Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462 in memory of Judge Pullen.

To view the full obituary and leave condolences, please visit Watson-Thomas Funeral Home’s website at https://www.watsonthomas.com/obituaries/thomas-pullen