Crematorium Owner Wants To Open Private Autopsy Service

THORNTON, IL — The owner of a Chicago Heights crematorium has his sights set on opening a private autopsy business in neighboring Thornton.

Deavolon Cotton Sr., a third-generation funeral director, owns Legacy Cremation Services. Cotton is pursuing a business license in Thornton where he hopes to offer private autopsy services in an industrial park at 575 Williams St.

“It’s a nice, clean, beautiful facility,” Cotton told Patch. “We will store bodies for autopsies and then embalm them. The funeral home can come get the case for the family.”

Private autopsies are sought by families seeking a pathologist to perform a forensic consultation or inventory all the pathologic findings which existed at the time of death. Such information will determine why the deceased died and why they died at that particular point in time.

Cotton’s proposed Forensic Mortuary Services will employ licensed pathologists to perform academically-based autopsies and toxicology examinations. Cotton has already lined up John Feczko, MD, to oversee the autopsy unit. The service can also be utilized by attorneys, insurance and court-ordered private autopsies for questionable autopsy results. Cotton also plans to donate services to families in need.

“We’re hoping that funeral directors will utilize the service,” Cotton said. “We think it can benefit funeral homes and their families.

Cotton does not anticipate asking for a special use permit or zoning change. There is ample parking for families that wish for a consultation.

Once he procures a business license, he will renovate the space for autopsy use.

This story has been updated with new information to reflect the Illinois Secretary of State filing.