Joel Hubert Newton, 63, of Peoria passed away peacefully at 11 a.m. on

Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Joel was born on March 13, 1962, to Hubert and Lochiel (Rochester) Newton at

Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, Alabama. His parents preceded him in

death.

Joel married his wife of 40 years, Cheryl L. Wingerter, on March 30, 1985. She

survives him, along with their children, Emily (Joe) Monahan of Peoria and James

(Sarah) Newton of Roanoke, Indiana, and three granddaughters. He is also survived by

his brother Byron (Amy) Newton of Anderson, Alabama and many other loving family

members.

Joel earned a Bachelors Degree in History from the University of North Alabama,

and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In his 43

years of ministry, he served at 7 churches around the country. In March of 2025 he

retired from Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, after 23 years as pastor. He will be

remembered as a gentle, godly man who guided many in their faith in Christ.

Joel loved to read, travel, hike, coach baseball and play games. He enjoyed

serving on mission trips, watching old movies, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide,

and taking family vacations. His family was his pride and joy.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1-3 p.m., at Woodland

Baptist Church in Peoria, IL, with a memorial service following. Contributions in Joel's

memory can be made to Woodland Baptist Church or The Christian Center in Peoria.