About Us

Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires at the gateway to the Harlem Valley, Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home has been serving people of all faiths in their time of need since 1936. The character of our services is defined by its family ownership and heritage. One cannot help but feel embraced and comforted by the charm of this countryside setting and peaceful nature of our individual rooms, their furnishings, and touches of local artisan charm.

As the name suggests, the business today reflects the history of two families who dedicated their lives to funeral service in the greater Pawling area. John W. Horn moved his family from Amenia to Pawling in 1936 and opened the original funeral Home on Smith Street. Soon after he built the current facility on East Main Street to better serve the needs of families and individuals.

Augustus J. Thomes, of Stamford, CT, graduated from the McAllister School of Embalming in 1933. As a licensed funeral director, Gus, served in WW II as a U.S. Army Mortuary Commander and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel during service in the Army Reserve. In 1958, Gus purchased the business and property from Mr. Horn and moved his family to Pawling from Stamford. He renamed the business Horn & Thomes maintaining the heritage and encouraging the continued growth of personalized funeral service.

John M. Thomes, son of Gus, graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Inc. in New York City in 1968 and entered the family business working for his father for many years. Eventually, he and his wife Debbie purchased it from his father and continues today as the owner and funeral director. Family tradition continues today with Sara C. Thomes, a third generation funeral director, active in the daily operation and management of Horn & Thomes.

It is our focus and goal that visitors feel welcome as soon as they arrive at Horn & Thomes. From the moment of greeting at the front door we strive to put visitors and families at ease. Comfortable décor and setting allows families and friends to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. While there are many churches of all faiths close by, if you so choose, we are able to provide a dignified service for your loved one in our home.

Our Funeral Directors

John M. Thomes has been a licensed funeral director since 1970. Originally from Stamford, CT, John moved to Pawling with his family at the age of 9. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Inc. in 1968. Active in local politics, John served as Mayor of Pawling for 6 years, Street Commissioner for 4 years, and Police Commissioner for 4 years. Past president of many local organizations including Pawling Lions Club, Pawling Jaycees, Pawling Fire Department (Life Member), Pawling Chamber of Commerce, Past Grand Knight of the Pawling Council Knights of Columbus. He is currently Service Officer for Hasler-Kamp Post American Legion. He is also a member of the Pawling Rotary Club, Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. He is retired from the New York Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force. He has completed 29 marathons since 1978. While working for his father, he established two related businesses, Thomes Memorials and Thomes Limousine Service.

Sara C. Thomes is a third generation funeral director. She graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Inc. in 1994. She worked with her father part-time for several years in the family business before joining it full-time in 2006. In addition to receiving her Associates Degree in Funeral Service, she also obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Marist College, Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Sacred Heart University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary College. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. She has been an active volunteer for many organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the United Way.