A serviceman in the RAF and nephew of a blue plaque honoured historian was laid to rest on June 15.

Donald (Don) Francis Ball was born on July 27, 1932 at Tower Road, Epping into a long established family of shopkeepers who were well known in the town's Methodist Church.

The nephew of historian Sidney Hills - whose blue plaque remains in Epping - Don attended Harlow College before spending two years in the RAF as a national serviceman.

Don played football for Epping and Coopersale Teams, cricket for Epping and tennis for Theydon Bois.

He leaves behind Delia, who he married in 1963 at St Johns, sons Graham and Michael and grandsons Sophie, Daisy and Alfred.

The chapel at Pardon Wood Crematorium was packed with loved ones who heard a service conducted by Dr Rev Elizabeth Horwell and a eulogy by Graham.

The congregation then joined in to a rendition of 'Steak Pie', a song written by Don and put to the melody of 'As Times Goes By'.

A reception was held at the Queen Victoria in Theydon Bois, after which Delia wrote: "Don was much loved by all who knew him and will be sadly missed."

The Guardian thanks Theydon Bois history recorder Trevor Roberts for his help in writing this article.