Hundreds of strangers attend funeral of WW2 hero, 95, who died with no family left after social media appeal
John Kearns died with few friends and a "broken heart" - but Armed Forces staff ensured he had an incredible farewell
A WAR hero who died with no living family members was given a fitting send off by more than 200 people at his funeral.
Servicemen and woman paid their respects this morning to 95-year-old Royal Pioneer Corps veteran John Kearns.
John was expected to have a low turnout at his funeral after just one friend visited before he died in Royal Derby Hospital.
But a Royal British Legion social media appeal attracted a wave of veterans and recruits to show their respects.
Bagpipes led the mourners into the Derby crematorium as The Last Post was played before a short service for the decorated veteran.
John, who served in the forces for 30 years, did not have any relatives who initially knew of his death apart from a handful of neighbours and friends.
He was married to the late Eileen for 40 years – but she died just 18 months ago.
His friends Alan Mann, 75, and Pauline Smart, 71, Josephine Flear, 73, organised the ceremony after the Facebook and Twitter shout out literally rallied the troops.
Speaking about John, Josephine said: “I have always said John died of a broken heart – John and Eileen were soul mates.
“He missed her loads, we were very upset for him after she died – but John went down hill and he just faded away.”
Royal British Legion’s Philip Skawski said Mr Kearns served from 1953 to 1975 and then the next seven years with the territorial army.
John’s first unit was with the Pioneer Corps and he was stationed at the Suez Canal for some of that time.
Mr Skawski said: “It’s very sad that John had no family and we’re in this situation – but we are amazed by the turnout.”
“He finally got the fitting send-off he deserved.”
John was born on February 1, 1921, and Army records show that he enlisted on August 5, 1943, with the Royal Army Pioneer Corp in Belfast and served with them for the whole of his Army career as a private.
He was described by his commanding officer as an “extremely pleasant and likeable man”.
John lived in Sawley, before moving to Long Eaton, Derbyshire, where he lived until his death.
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