Lonnie Terrell Emerton, affectionately known as Tojo or Toe, age 61, of Sparta, passed away Sept. 18, 2024, in the emergency room at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital, in Sparta.
Lonnie was born Oct. 7, 1962, in Sparta, to Tandy Cherry “Moe” and Reba Jo Parks Emerton.
He served as an employee for the City of Sparta for over 42 years. As a young child, he enjoyed watching wrestling on television, often stomping in the room like wrestler Tojo Yamamoto. Thus, his nickname Tojo was born. He loved raising animals on his farm and gardening. In his earlier years, he was an avid hunter. For more than 20 years, his Saturday nights were happily spent at the racetracks watching dirt track racing. However, his greatest joy was being papa to his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rufus Emerton, Sue Emerton, and Carolyn McBride.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Carole Emerton; daughter, Amanda Brooks and husband Warren; grandchildren, Bella Dachoute, Hannah Dachoute, Makayla Dachoute; brother, Junior Emerton; and special cousin, Jackie Emerton.
Funeral service was 3 p.m., Sept. 22, 2024, at Sparta First United Methodist Church, with burial in Emerton Family Cemetery. Bro. Hyeon Hong and Ken Wallace officiated.
Will Girdley, Jeff “Red” Parrish, Kobe Jones, Tom Kincaid, Joah Dashnaw, and Ron Pitman served as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers were Clay Parker, Jackie Emerton, and Willie Cason.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
