THE FUNERAL for a stalwart of the Wombwell community took place this week.
Tony Dutton died of a heart attack aged 78 at his Barlborough Road home on October 13.
He was well known throughout the town for his community contributions as president of the Wombwell branch of the Royal British Legion, a first responder for the Ambulance Service, a special constable for the police and the area co-ordinator for the Neighbourhood Watch.
He was also treasurer of the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery group, a position which saw him help transform the area.
He was also a member of South Yorkshire Police’s independent custody visiting scheme, checking on the treatment of those in the cells and ensuring the care of police horses and dogs, as well as a lay-minister at Wombwell’s Summer Lane Methodist Church.
His community efforts saw him awarded the British Empire Medal in 2013.
He leaves wife Pam, daughters Alison and Mandy, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mandy said: “It was probably his work in the local cemetery more than anything else which people might remember him for. It made a huge difference in the area.
“He was a very active member of the Methodist church, and he dedicated the whole of his retired life to helping other people in general. Before he retired he worked as the railway trains manager at Sheffield and then took on a huge host of things after he finished.
“He died very suddenly of a heart attack on my birthday. He was quite fit and well so it was a bit of a shock.
“The number of cards my mum has received has been unbelievable. For him, receiving the BEM was probably one of his biggest and most proud achievements.”
A concert Tony had organised to help raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal will now also be held in tribute to him.
The Thurnscoe Male Harmonic Voice Choir will be performing on November 8, at 7pm in the Summer Lane Methodist Church with proceeds from the tickets going to the Poppy Appeal.
Tony’s funeral was on Wednesday with a service at the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev Kristan Markay, followed by burial at Wombwell Cemetery.
Mike Bretton had worked alongside Tony as part of the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery group and the Wombwell Neighbourhood Watch.
He said: “I’ve known Tony since I was about ten years old, so more than 60 years. He was in the Church Lads’ Brigade and was the one who would twirl the baton during their marches once a month.
“I met up with him again when I joined the Neighbourhood Watch. He was a big family man and a gentleman, who would talk on anything for anyone.”
