A large number of friends attended the funeral of Mr. Charles Smith (70) at Rushden on Saturday morning.

Mr. Smith, whose wife died three years ago, leaves a son and two daughters, one of whom resides at Wellingborough. In his youth he was a well-known hockey player. He had resided at Rushden about 60 years and helped to build the house in which he had lived ever since his marriage. For 30 years he worked for Messrs. William Green and Son, boot manufacturers.

The funeral service at the Cemetery Chapel on Saturday morning was conducted by the Rev. E. A. Green, Rector of Rushden, who also officiated at the interment. The family mourners were : Mr. J. W. Smith (son), Mrs. G. Green (daughter), Mrs. H. Mason (daughter), Mr. G. Green (son-in-law), Mr. C. W. Smith (nephew), Mr. S. T. Smith (nephew), Mrs. Sturgess (friend), Mr. T. Underwood (brother-in-law), Mr. R. F. Smith (nephew), and Mrs. W. Underwood (sister-in-law).

The following were also present at the graveside : Mr. C. W. S. Green (director of William Green and Son, representing the firm), Mr. E. Green and Mr. Matthews (representatives of the employees of William Green and Son), Councillor J. Allen, J.P. (Chairman of the Rushden Urban Council), Mr. F. G. Felce (Deputy Grand Master, M.U.O.F. Society, Wellingborough District), Mr. and Mrs. Barnett, Mrs. Langdon, Mrs. C. W. Smith, Mrs. S. T. Smith, Mrs. R. F. Smith and Miss L. Smith.

Wreaths were inscribed :-

To dear Dad, from your affectionate son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Will, Nell and Kenneth – A sad parting; To dear Dad, from your loving daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter, Maud, George and Hilda – In the midst of life we are in death; To dear Dad, with love from your daughter and son-in-law, Hilda and Horace – Life’s battle is o’er; In loving memory of Uncle, from nieces and nephews, Betty, Nancy, Will, Sid and Frank; With deepest sympathy from Tom and Ellen; With fondest memories of a true, faithful friend, from Mrs. Sturgess and family.; With heartfelt sympathy from the neighbours; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. L. Bailey; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. F. Mason and Jack, from Wellingborough; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. T. Green, Irthlingborough – At rest; A token of deepest sympathy from the directors, of William Green and Son (Grenson), Ltd.; A token of respect and remembrance, with deepest sympathy from fellow employees of William Green and Son (Grenson), Ltd.; With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. J. Sawford and Margaret, Talbot-road.

The Co-operative Federal Funeral Service carried out the arrangements.