Pastor Antonio R. Sutton (56) of Effingham 

Print

Pastor Antonio R. Sutton, 56, of Effingham, IL, passed away at 7:36 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Donald “Satch” Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, and Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. both in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery (Section B), Shelbyville, IL with military rites by the U.S. Army and the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to his churches, Lakewood Community Church or Cowden Community Church of Faith. Send condolences to the family at www.howeandyockey.com
Antonio was born on February 10, 1970, in Evanston, IL, the son of Walter Ronald “Ronnie” Sutton, Jr. and Geneva (McGill) Sutton. He graduated from Evanston
Township High School in 1988 and continued his education at William Rainey Harper College where he majored in Sociology. He later attended Liberty University where he pursued a degree in Christian Ministry and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology where he completed the License for Pastoral Ministry Course. Antonio was also a graduate of Ohio Christian University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and recently earned a Master of Arts degree. In 1991, he enlisted in the United States Army, first serving in the Signal Corps and later serving in the Infantry. He retired on October 1, 2013, at Fort Benning, Columbus, GA after a 22-year Army career earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. In April 2007, he joined South Columbus United Methodist Church where he was called and served under the pastorate of the late Rev. Joseph Roberson, Rev. Denise K. Walton and Rev. Reggie Williams. Antonio served as Senior Pastor at Howard Chapel United Methodist Church in Dublin, GA, from June 2014-2019. On July 1, 2019, he became the Senior Pastor at Lakewood and Cowden United Methodist Churches and was the current Pastor at Lakewood Community Church and Cowden Community Church of Faith. In his spare time, Antonio enjoyed going to Accuracy Firearms shooting range in Effingham. He was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and could often be heard coaching the team from his office. He married Janie M. Bieber on November 12, 2024.
Antonio was on fire for God and brought his churches closer to God and each other. Antonio loved his churches and considered everyone his friend. Antonio’s exuberant sermons made everyone stronger in their faith. You could often hear him say, “I’m preaching better than you are saying AMEN!” Antonio will be greatly missed by everyone. He is the ultimate winner – he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife, Janie; son, Angelo M. Sutton of Columbus, GA; daughter, Alonie R. Ray (Sean) of Opelika, AL; bonus children, Cody Koester of Effingham, IL and Kallie Shipman (Weston) of Robinson, IL; mother, Geneva Sutton of Andrews, SC; mother-in-law, Mary F. Bieber of Lakewood, IL: brother, Chris Longley of Chicago, IL: sisters, Jessica I. Sutton of Chicago, IL and Ola P. Sutton of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Gene Bieber (Amanda) of rural Tower Hill, IL; sister-in-law, Sarah Huntley (Brian) of Lakewood, IL; two grandchildren, Karter and Koa Ray; two bonus grandchildren, Benson and Maddox Shipman; and also leaves behind his favorite dog,
Louie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Ronald “Ronnie” Sutton, Jr.; father-in-law, Glen “Dick” Bieber; and his grandparents.