Roy Easton, RAF veteran and former shop worker at Boots and Goldings in Bedford Town Centre, who died alone in May has had a heartwarming turnout for his funeral as people from all walks of life came along to pay their respects.
The service held at Norse Road Cemetary, Bedford yesterday (Friday) was organised by neighbours and friends as no family members could be found to help with arrangements.
However, after a social media appeal and a story in the Bedford Independent, seven members of Mr Easton’s extended family came forward and great-nephews and nieces from across the country attended.
Read: Appeal to help remember RAF veteran and “lovely, helpful” Goldings shop worker who died alone
Some of these family members also met each other for the first time and were said to have been “astonished” when hearing about Roy’s history and love of his community.
Friends have spoken about how “very proud” Mr Easton was of his service in the RAF and remained a member of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) until he died. He was also very proud of his service at Goldings where he “continued to help people”.
Representatives from RAF Henlow and RAF Chicksands also attended, alongside 35 riders from across Bedfordshire and Northants, and standard bearers from the Royal British Legion (RBL) led by standards from the Royal Air Forces Association.
His coffin was adorned with the Union Jack with Mr Easton’s RAF cap on top.
Mr and Mrs Walker who were behind organising Mr Easton’s funeral said: “The community did Roy proud and gave him a heartwarming send-off”.
