Gravesend Highways Agency officer John Walmsley's funeral held (From News Shopper)

Gravesend Highways Agency officer John Walmsley's funeral held: Tributes for man killed on M25

2:44pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By George Sargent

A GUARD of honour was held at the funeral of Highways Agency officer, father and husband John Walmsley who was laid to rest today (October 16) at Gravesend Methodist Church.

Mr Walmsley, 59, of Gravesend, died after being struck down while attending a collision on the M25 on September 25. He was two days away from his 60th birthday.

More than 170 patrol officers attended his funeral, wearing the dark blue uniforms and high visibility coats of their trade.

Speakers at the ceremony spoke of Mr Walmsley as a family man who loved his wife Brenda Walmsley dearly.

The two were childhood sweethearts after meeting at the age of 16 and 17 and were married for nearly 40 years.

In a eulogy written by Mr Walmsley’s three children Lee, 38, Donna, 36, and Sarah, 30, they said: “We know they will return to each other one day.”

They added: “I would like to say our dad is the most amazing man that ever walked this earth. He was also our best friend.”

“He had so much time for everyone especially the grandchildren.

“He would never have left us if he had a choice, but he will live warmly inside us forever.”

Mr Walmsley’s colleague, Daniel Lyons, 41, said: “When working with John it was a day out. It was a pleasure not a chore.

“He was a great traffic officer but most of all he was a great friend.

“Goodbye Johnny, we will miss you.”

Bob Rose, 57, who worked with Mr Walmsley in Dartford, said afterwards: “He was a great guy and one of the best.

“We worked alongside him and he was a great man. He will be deeply missed.”

Kent Police are still investigating and no arrests have been made.

They have asked witnesses to call 01622 798538.