A FOOTBALL lover and well known West Melton character has died.
Terry Stones, 73, was well known for his upkeep of the Queens United grounds.
Terry, from Milton Close, West Melton, died on January 18 in Rotherham Hospice after being diagnosed with cancer in March.
He leaves wife Eda, daughter Sharon and son David, as well as grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He worked as a miner at Hickleton Main Colliery before working for Camerons Petrol Installation Company up until his retirement.
Sharon said: “He played for Queens United. That was his life. When he retired he would go down to see to the grounds every day, to tend to the field and would be there all day. I know a few people touted him for his groundskeeping skills.
“Football was his first passion and his second was horse racing. He went once a week until he was really ill. He loved getting dressed up, talking to the trainers.”
Terry was born in Bolton-upon-Dearne and lived at Elliott Close in West Melton before moving to Milton Close eight years ago.
He and wife Eda had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
“He had cancer eight years ago and got over that, but he must have had some left because he started having pains. He was diagnosed in March with terminal cancer.
“He was very popular and everybody knew him. He was a character and very well loved in the village. There are quite a few stories from when he would go out with everyone, such as the time he was brought home in a wheelbarrow. He was really kind hearted.”
Terry’s funeral is at 2.10pm at Ardsley Crematorium on Wednesday, and afterwards at the Queens in West Melton afterwards. Donations to Rotherham Hospice. Andrew Platts is leading the service. Funeral arrangements by Beaumonts.
