Obituaries

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Carol Brock who retired as a Constable and served with the Southend Borough, Laindon Traffic and Rayleigh. She passed away on 15 May aged 78 years.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 3pm, West Chapel, Southend Crematorium, followed by a wake at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend, SS2 6UN.

Family flowers only, donations to Alzheimer's Society, c/o S. Stibbards & Sons,
533 Rayleigh Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 3TN

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Michael (Mick) Chapman who retired as a Constable and served at Grays, Corringham, Rayleigh, Southend, Canvey Island and Basildon. He leaves a widow Jenny. He passed away on 12 May 2026 aged 67 years.

The funeral will take place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at 11am, Southend Crematorium, followed by a wake at Rayleigh Lodge.

Family flowers only, donations to MacMillan Cancer Support, c/o A. R. Adams Funeral Directors, 117 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7QA.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Dawes who retired as a Constable and served with the Met, transferred to Essex where he served at Brentwood, Basildon and Headquarters. He leaves a widow Lynda. He passed away on 15 May 2026 aged 80 years.

The funeral will take place on Thursday 11th June 2026 at 2.40pm at Woodland Crematorium at Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe, DN17 1SP

Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research UK, c/o Jason Threadgold,
19/21 Old Courts Road, Brigg, DN20 8JD.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Sandra Hilton who retired as a Constable and served with the Southend Borough, Basildon CID, & Southend Control Room.

She passed away on May 14 2026 aged 83 years.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday June 17 2026 at 10qm at Southend Crematorium, West Chapel followed by burial at Southend Cemetery.

Family flowers only, donations to Cancer Research UK, c/o J. W. Taites & Son Funeral Directors, 20 North Street, Rochford, SS4 1AB.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Nicholas (Nicky) Smith who retired as a Constable and served with Suffolk Police for 9 years, transferred to Essex Police where he served at Halstead Gt Yeldham & Braintree for a further 18 years. He leaves a widow Tanya.

He passed away on April 12 2026 aged 57 years.

The funeral will take place on Thursday May 14 2026 at 12.00 hrs at Gt Dunmow Crematorium, followed by refreshments at Braintree Golf Club.

Family flowers only, donations to Farleigh Hospice, c/o Michael J. Walsh, Blatches Farm, Braintree Road, Stebbing, CM6 3AL.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Christopher Jacob who retired as a Constable and served at Leigh on Sea, East Hanningfield, Colchester, H/Q’s Sports Club & Hockley. He leaves a widow Barbara.

He passed away on the 12th April 2026 aged 77 years.

The funeral will take place on Friday 8th May 2026 at 14.00 hrs at East Devon Crematorium, Whimple.

Following the funeral, there will be a Celebration of Chris’ life (wake) at Escot House, Escot Park, Otterly St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU. If you wish to come please email the family via [email protected] so that catering numbers can be established.

The family would like to encourage friends unable to attend the service to join them virtually by watching the webcast which may be accessed using the following link and login, and watched for up to seven days:

https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Webcast Login PIN 521-0901

Family flowers only, donations to either Devon Hospice Care or Marie Curie Nurses c/o Funeral Directors, Luxton Funeral Service, 21 Tip Hill, St Mary, EX11 1BE

The family are planning a further celebration of Chris’ life to be held in the Sports Pavilion, Essex Police HQ at the end of May 2026, date to be confirmed.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Martyn Lockwood who retired as an Inspector and served at Tilbury, Stanford Rivers, Ongar, Epping, Harlow, HQ, Information Room, and Support Staff member in Contingency Planning. He leaves a widow Anne.

He passed away on March 25 2026 aged 79 years.

The funeral will take place on Monday April 20 2026 at St Mary The Virgin, Tawney Lane, Stapleford Tawney, RM4 1DQ followed by refreshments at Bentley Golf Club, Ongar Road, Brentwood, CM15 9SS.

Family flowers only, donations to Kidney Association c/o Ongar Family Funeral Directors, 101 High Street, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9DX.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Roy Kebbell who retired as a Constable and served at Wickford, Billericay and as a Coroners officer at Basildon. He passed away on 18 March 2026 aged 79 years.

The funeral will take place on Monday 13 April at 11.30am at Pitsea Crematorium, followed by refreshments at ‘The Gun’ Pitsea.

Family flowers only, donations to St Lukes Hospice, c/o S. Carter & Sons, Funeral Directors, 3 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 OAN.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Raymond Law who retired as an A/Chief Inspector and served with the Southend Borough, Leigh and Rayleigh. He passed away on 16 February 2026 aged 92 years. 

The funeral has already taken place, donations if desired to SSAFA.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Hughes who retired as a Detective Inspector and served at HQ Scenes of Crime covering North Essex. He leaves a widow Carol. He passed away on 25 February 2026 aged 74 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 27 March 2026 at 11.30am at Maldon Fields Crematorium followed by a Celebration of Life at the ‘Tin Roof Cafe’, Woodham Mortimer.

Family flowers only donations to R.N.L.I or Pancreatic Cancer c/o East of England Co-Operative Funeral services, 13-15 Market Hill, Maldon, Essex CM9 4PZ.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Robert (Bob) Davis QPM who retired as a Sergeant and served at Maldon, Chelmsford, South Ockendon & Basildon he leaves a widow Pat.

He passed away on 6 February 2026 aged 83 years.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 1.30pm at Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Danbury, Essex.

Family flowers only donations to Parkinsons UK c/o T. Pennack & Sons, 1-3 Maldon Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7DW.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Colin Green B.E.M., who retired as a Constable and served at Ely, Harwich, High Ongar, Abridge and Toothill. He leaves a widow Pamela. He passed away on 2 February 2026 aged 86 years.

The funeral has already taken place.

Donations to ‘Lingen Davies Cancer Support’ Shrewsbury.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Lindsay Smith who retired as a Constable in 1989 and served at Chelmsford, Halstead, & Belchamp St Paul.

He passed away on 27 January 2026 aged 93 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 3.30pm at Belchamp St Paul Church.

Family flowers only, donations to Essex Air Ambulance, c/o Hunnaball of Sudbury, 62a North Street, Sudbury, CO10 1RE

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Victor Jackson who retired as a Constable in 1998 and served at Southend, Shoeburyness & Grays.

He passed away on 16 January 2026 aged 82 years.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at Southend Crematorium at 3.30pm, South Chapel.

Family flowers only, donations to Alzheimer's Society, c/o Penrose Funeral Services, 94 Bridgewater Drive, Westcliff on Sea, Southend, Essex, SS0 ODH.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Bob Rogers who retired as a Constable in 1994 and served at Southend, Southend Traffic, & Thames Marine Section. He leaves a widow Sheila.

He passed away on 9 February 2026 aged 83 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 26 February 2026 at Southend Crematorium at 10am, followed by a wake in the Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavillion, Southend.

Family flowers only, donations to either RNLI or ‘Takeheart’ c/o S. Stibbards, 7 Spa Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4AZ.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Bouckley who retired as a sergeant and served at Maldon, Colchester, and Traffic. On retirement he managed the Essex Police Travel and Theatre Group. He leaves a widow Angela.

He passed away on 21 January 2026 aged 71 years.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at Colchester Crematorium at 10am.

Family flowers only, donations to MYOSTIS UK c/o East of England Co-Op, 98 The Commons, Prettygate, CO3 4NW.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Alfred Henry who retired as a Constable and served at Harlow. He leaves a widow Jeannie.

He passed away on 19 January 2026 aged 90 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 2:30pm at
Bury St Edmunds Crematorium, Risby, IP28 6RR.

Floral contributions c/o East of England Co-Op Funeral Directors, 2 Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JT.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Victor Jackson who retired as a Constable and served at Southend, Grays and Shoeburyness. He passed away on 16 January 2026 aged 82 years. 

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 3.30pm at Southend Crematorium, Main chapel.

Family flowers only, donations to Alzheimers Society c/o Penrose Funeral Services,
94 Bridgewater Drive, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 0DH

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Barbara Washbrook who retired as a Constable and served at Southend, Rayleigh and Southend Airport. She passed away on the 26 January 2026 aged 82 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 13 March 2026 at 10.30am at Southend Crematorium followed by a wake at the Anchor Pub, Hullbridge, Essex SS5 6ND.

Floral contributions welcome via funeral directors S. Stibbards & Son, 7 Spa Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4AZ

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Stephen Brewer who retired as an Inspector and served at Witham, Boreham, Headquarters, Stanway Traffic, Operational Support, Braintree and Clacton. He passed away on the 16 January 2026 aged 67 years. 

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 12 February 2026 at 2.30pm at Coggeshall Parish Church, followed by wake at The Compasses, Pattiswick, CM77 8BG all welcome to attend.

Family flowers only, donations to Farleigh Hospice c/o funeral directors A. Birkin & Sons, Market End, Coggeshall, CO6 1NH.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Stephen Eastwood who retired as a D/Insp and served at Clacton, CID, RCS, Special Branch, Intelligence and Fraud, he finished his service at City of London Police. He passed away on the 18 January 2026 aged 72 years. 

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 2:45pm at Weeley Crem.

If you wish to attend the funeral, could you please advise [email protected] (grandson)

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Eric Turnbull who retired as a Constable in 2011 and served at Harwich, Headquarters, Colchester and  Crime Management Unit. He leaves a widow Beverley. He passed away on the 7 January 2026 aged 68 years. 

The funeral service will take place on Monday 2 February 2026 at 3.45pm at Seven Hills Crematorium, Ipswich, followed by a wake at ‘The Raven’, Nacton, Ipswich IP3 9QJ.

Family have requested no flowers, donations to either NSPCC or Macmillan Cancer Support, c/o Co-Op Funeral Care, The Cemetry Chapel, Holton Road, Halesworth, IP19 8HD

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Reg Hooper who retired as a Constable in 1996 and served with the Southend Borough. He leaves a widow Ann. He passed away on the 1st January 2026 aged 84 years.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 3 February 2026, at 12pm in the West Chapel at Southend Crematorium.  This will be followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ to be held at The Lawn, Hall Road, Rochford, SS4 1PL.

Family flowers only donations to either Cancer Research or TTP Network, there will be a collection box at the funeral, or alternatively you can donate via the respective charities' websites in memory of Reg.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Trevor Bailey who retired as a Constable in 2000 and served at Stansted, Saffron Walden, Harlow Traffic and Newport. He passed away on 1 December 2025 aged 67 years.

The funeral has already taken place, but the family have arranged a ‘Celebration of his Life’ to be held at the Duke of York Public House, High Street, Saffron Walden, Essex on Saturday 31st January 2026 at 1pm.

For catering purposes, could you please e mail his sister Julia at  [email protected] if you wish to attend.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague John Gardiner who retired as a Sergeant in 1992 and served at Wickford, & Laindon Traffic.

He passed away on the 27th December 2025 aged 84 years.

There will be no funeral service as John wished to have a Direct Cremation which will take place shortly.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Percival Jones who retired as a constable in 2006 and served at Tilbury, Grays and Thurrock. He leaves a widow Sally.

He passed away on 4 December 2025 aged 82 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 9 January 2026 at Basildon Crematorium at 4pm.

Family flowers only. Donations to 'Blesma' c/s S. Stibbards funeral directors, 533 Rayleigh Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3TN.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Colin Stockwell who retired as a Constable in 1989 and served as a Cadet prior to National Service, then Maldon, Grays, Rayleigh, Rochford, Gt Wakering and Shoeburyness. He passed away on the 20 October 2025 aged 87 years.

A private cremation has already taken place but there is a memorial service to be held at St Nicholas Church, Gt Wakering on Friday 21 November at 12pm to be followed by a wake at Waeccer Pub, 23 High Street, Gt Wakering, SS3 OEF.

Donations to Essex Police Benevolent Fund or Fairhavens Hospice c/o Co-Op Funeralcare, Gt Wakering, Essex SS3 OEQ.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Terence Fisher who retired as a Sergeant in 1989 and served with the Southend Borough. He leaves a widow Wendy. He passed away on the 5 October 2025 aged 83 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 13 November 2025 at 12pm in the West Chapel, at Southend Crematorium.

Family flowers only donations to ‘Diabetes UK’ c/o A. R. Adams Funeral Directors, 143 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3EX

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Kevin Wakefield who retired as an Inspector in 2012 and served at Stansted, Braintree, Maldon, IT and Saffron Walden. He leaves a widow Helen. He passed away on the 17 October 2025 aged 66 years.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday 11th November at 2.30pm at Three Counties Crematorium, Braintree, followed by a wake at Howards Hall Masonic Centre, Bocking End, Braintree

Live stream details

https://watch.obitus.com
Username: woha2220
Password/PIN: 220459

Family flowers only donations to ‘Somersham Ward Support Group’ or  Cancer Research UK

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Robert Gladstone who retired as a Sergeant in 1992 and served at Rayleigh, Basildon and Canvey Island. He leaves a widow Evelyn. He passed away on the 10 October 2025 aged 87 years.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 3 November at 1.30pm at Pitsea Crematorium, followed by a wake in the Oyster Fleet Hotel, Canvey Island at 2.30pm.

Family flowers only donations to ‘Cancer Research UK’ c/o A. W. Alden & Son, 29-31 High Street, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7RB.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Peter Williams who retired as a Sergeant in 1983 and served with the Met, transferred to the Southend Borough, Essex and Southend Joint Constabulary and Basildon. He passed away on the 30 September 2025 aged 93 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 24 October at 11am in Trelawney Chapel, Penmount Crem, Truro.

Family flowers only donations to RNLI (Newquay) c/o C.L. Rescoria & Son Funeral Directors, Lower Penmellyn New Road, Saint Columb, TR9 6AZ.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Paul Hanson who retired as a Constable in 2015 and served at Southend, Shoebury and Westcliff. He leaves a widow Davida. He passed away on the 15 September 2025 aged 64 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 7 November at 10am at New Life Church, Crouch Valley, Wickford, SS12 9NR followed by cremation at Basildon Crematorium.

Family flowers only donations to ‘Kidney Research UK’ c/o S. Carter & Son, London Road, Wickford, Essex.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Brian Darton who retired as a Constable in 2002 and served at Braintree and Felsted. He leaves a widow Diane. He passed away on 7 September 2025 aged 79 years.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 29 September at 10.30am at the Three Counties Crematorium, Halstead Road. High Garrett, Braintree, Essex CM7 5PB, followed by a reception at Gosfield Lake Golf Club, Hall Drive, Gosfield, Halstead, CO9 1SE

Family flowers only donations to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, c/o Daniel Robinson Funeral Directors, 31 High Street, Halstead, Essex CO9 2AA.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Daniel Reilly who retired as a Constable in 1987 and served at Southend & Leigh. He leaves a widow Doreen.

He passed away on the 12th August 2025 aged 80 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 4th September 2025 at 15.00 hrs at Southend Crematorium followed by a wake in the ‘Oakwood Pub’ at Eastwood.

Family flowers only donations to British Heart Foundation, c/o A.R. Adams Funeral Directors, 117 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex SS 7QA

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Christopher Clancey who retired as a Constable in 2000 and served at Southend, Shoeburyness, Benfleet, Rochford & Billericay,

He passed away on the 20th July 2025 aged 78 years. He leaves a widow Linda.

Private family funeral taking place.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Kenneth Nettleton who retired as a Constable in 1984 and served at Colchester, Clacton, Billericay and as a Dog Handler in Chelmsford. He passed away on the 11 August 2025 aged 98 years.

The funeral service will take place on Monday 8 September 2025 at 11.45am at Weeley Crematorium followed by wake at the Black Boy, Weeley (please email son [email protected] if you wish to attend for numbers regarding refreshments).

Family flowers only donations to PDSA c/o Titford Funeral Directors, 151 Old Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 3AU.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Richard (Dick) Chaplin who retired as a Sergeant in 2001 and served at Stansted, Dunmow, Ongar, Epping & Force Support Unit.

He passed away on the 5th August 2025 aged 74 years. He leaves a widow Bridget Cornelia.

No funeral taking place. Thanksgiving service later in year.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Michael Hewitt who retired as a Constable in 1994 and served at Colchester Traffic. He passed away on the 20 July 2025 aged 80 years. He leaves a widow Dorothy.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 28 August 2025 at 11.30 am at Colchester Crematorium.

Family flowers only, donations to St Helena Hospice, c/o John J. Smith Funeral Services, Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex C02 8RT

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Brian Boon who retired as an Inspector in 1989 he then went on to serve as a support staff member in Finance for many years. Total service in Essex Police was 46 years. He leaves a widow Susan. He passed away on the 17th July 2025 aged 85 years.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 12pm at All Saint’s Church, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 OEE. The burial will take place at Easton Cemetery for family only.

Floral contributions c/o East of England Co-Op Funeral Services, 26 Quayside Woodbridge, IP12 1BH.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Americo Watkins who was medically retired in 1992 and finished his service at Southend. He leaves a widow Galina.

He passed away on the 29 May 2025 aged 68 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 4 July 2025 at 12.30pm at the Three Counties Crematorium, Braintree, followed by a wake at The Apple Tree, at Gosfield Lake.

Family flowers only donations to RSPCA Danaher Animal Home, c/o A. Birkin & Sons, Market End, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex C06 1NH

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Nick Milbank who served for over 50 years as a cadet, Police Officer in FIR, then as a support staff member in Contact Management Command. He leaves a widow Jane.

He passed away on 6 June 2025 aged 67 years

The funeral service will take place on Monday 30 June 2025 at 2.30pm at Chelmsford Crematorium. All attendees are invited to wear bright colours in celebration of Nick’s life.

Family flowers only donations to Myeloma UK c/o Co-Op Funeral Directors, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Ivor Williams who retired as a Chief Insp. in 1984 and served with the Met Police Force, Barrow in Furness Police Force, transferred to Essex where he served at Harlow, Chelmsford, College, Basildon and Grays. He leaves a widow Gillian. He passed away on 25 May 2025 aged 87 years.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday 12th June 2025 at 10am at Basildon Crematorium.

Family flowers only donations to either ‘Alzheimers Society’ or ‘St Lukes Hospice’ in Basildon c/o S. Carter & Son Funeral Directors, 32 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 OAN.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague John Coyle who retired as a Chief Supt. in 2002 and served with the Southend Borough, Headquarters and Chelmsford. He leaves a widow Lin. He passed away on 7 May 2025 aged 78 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 6 June 2025 at 2pm at Southend Crematorium.

Family flowers only donations to ‘The Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity’ at Southend Hospital C/O F.P. Guiver & Sons Ltd., 416 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 5PT.

The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Brian Lewis who retired as a Sergeant in 1977 and served with the Southend Borough and Basildon. He passed away on 1 April 2025 aged 92 years.

The funeral service will take place on Friday 9 May 2025 at 2.30pm at Southend Crematorium.

Family flowers only donations to St Lukes Hospice, Basildon c/o J. W. Tate 11& Son Funeral Directors, 20 North Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1AB.