Anthony Russell Patton's Obituary
Pastor Anthony R. Patton, a native of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 31,2019, after a lengthy battle with heart disease.
He was born on February 17,1954, a birthdate he shared with his mother and son. He is preceded in death by both parents Lena M.Patton- Russell and Wilbert Russell. His sister Loretta Mae Canady and brother John Robert Patton also preceded him in death.
Anthony attended school in Topeka, and joined the US Army on August 31,1971 and received honorable discharge on May 2,1975. He relocated to California, following his older brother, John. He decided to stay, and make California his second home.
He began employment with Proctor and Gamble and began taking courses in theology.
In 1992 he began teaching bible classes at the Salvation Army and it was there he met Pastor James Jenkins of Unity Fellowship.
In May,1993, he was ordained as Deacon. During that time he served as Sunday School Superintendent.
On February 19,1995, he was licensed as Minister , serving as Minister of Education.
He received a Bachelor Degree of Christian Education on May 25,1996, and was awarded Most outstanding Student for the year.
After much study and growth, he was ordained on March 21,1996 becoming Assistant Pastor. After retirement of Pastor Jenkins, he became Pastor of Unity Fellowship Baptist Church.
In 2005, the decision was made to disband Unity Fellowship and Pastor Patton founded True Light Ministries, with a vision of teaching
BIBLE:
Basic
Instruction
Before
Leaving
Earth.
After leaving Proctor Gamble, he became an employee of Continental Display, a job that he loved with all of his heart and remained there for over 17 years.
He made many, many friends while working at Continental, and the friendships continued after his medical retirement.
Anthony ‘s love and precious memories will remain forever with his wife Lori, his son Adrian Patton, Topeka, Kansas; daughter Naketa McChristian, granddaughter A’shay White, both of Kansas City, Missouri. Two brothers, Wilbert and Joel Russell,Topeka, Kansas, one sister Lavon M.Russell , Bakersfield,California. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
His beautiful deed of accepting guardianship of Ted,Tevin, Dominque and Mike, accepting the responsibility to raise them to adulthood. His mother-in-law,Jewel Lee who will forever miss his generosity, cooking and bible lessons.
His brother -in-laws their stories, laughter and love.
Godchildren, Cody, Isaac, Isaiah and Shelby Brown. Extended family of John , Leta and Katrina Nichols, whom he loved as his own family.
He also leaves his True Light Church family, who has been under his spiritual teaching for many years, have begun to continue his mission with the church.
A multitude of Pastors,Christian warriors, and community that will keep his spirit close to their hearts forever.
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