Paul Anderton

Paul Croft Anderton, 90, born on April 18, 1932, in North Providence, Rhode Island, went to heaven in Carle Eureka Hospital in Eureka, IL, on February 23, 2023. He was the father of 4, grandfather of 14, and great-grandfather of 28. Paul was a pastor, teacher, forester, artist, stone mason, wood splitter, carpenter, hunter, mentor, leader, investor, and master gardener.

He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1954. Paul married Evelyn Glennon on June 12, 1954, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. They both went to Germany in 1955 for two years. After being discharge from the Army, he attended Barrington College and graduated with a Bible degree. Paul was an ordained minister in the Primitive Methodist church for 40-plus years, and pastored churches in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Paul returned to the University of Rhode Island and earned a teaching certificate in 1980. He taught school for over 20 years and loved the sciences. Paul always found teachable moments. He loved to serve others and always looked for ways to serve, even when in the hospital. Paul had a heart for missions and traveled to Guatemala and Spain for working trips with his wife, Evelyn.

What stood out most was his wisdom and love for others. He was like a tree whose delight was in the law of the Lord. Like a tree planted by the water yielding fruit in its season. He attended the church of the Nazarene in Peoria, and he attended and supported the New Beginnings Ministries of Peoria. He volunteered as a teacher for adults who could not read. He loved his great-grandchildren and spent much time with them.

His wife Evelyn Anderton and his son Philip (wife Reda) preceded him in death. He is survived by his children Linda (Frank) Valente, Peter (Veronica) Anderton, and Paul (Jeanine) Anderton.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Peoria Church of the Nazarene, 5504 N. University Street Peoria.  Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until his time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded. Dinner following for the public will be served at New Beginnings Ministries, 3129 NE Madison Ave Peoria in Peoria, following the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Beginnings Ministries of Peoria Food Pantry at 3201 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603. To leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.peoriafuneral.com.

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