Volunteer dies aged 94

Eric Ketton was the son of Sheffield United footballer Ernest Milton, but was adopted by his aunt and her husband as a baby.

He was educated at Victoria School in Wellington Road and later at the technical college. After school he was called up and joined the Royal Engineers at Bordon Camp in Hampshire.

Mr Ketton did not see any action as he got a bout of pneumonia and was discharged 15 month later. He married Audrey Ketton in 1947 after a long engagement due to the war.

He then went to work at James Austin’s, starting in the works and later in the drawing office.

Mr Ketton retired after 40 years, going on to work at the Citizens Advice Bureau with his wife and helping out there for a further 30 years. He was rewarded with a certificate a bottle of House of Commons whisky for his service.

His son John Ketton said: “He enjoyed his sport. He played cricket for Austin’s and was known as a stonewaller long before Geoff Boycott arrived on the scene. The opposition bowlers eventually used to bowl at him instead of the wickets and that’s how he lost his teeth.”

Mr Ketton later played tennis and badminton and was still playing badminton at the Dewsbury Owls just over two years ago. He enjoyed holidays as far afield as New Zealand, South America and India.

John added: “As a father he was always there for us and he will be sorely missed and never forgotten.” Mr Ketton is also survived by a son, Paul.