Hundreds of people gathered at St Andrew’s Church in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday (March 30th) to pay their respects to John Crosby, the much‑admired former Chairman of the town’s Royal British Legion branch.
John, who was 87, passed away earlier this month after a courageous battle with cancer. He died on March 12th with his wife, Ruth, by his side.
He served as Chairman of the Burnham branch for thirteen years, and the Legion has described his contribution as both “lasting” and “profound.”
Royal British Legion members formed a guard of honour, with standards carried into the church as the service began.
A planned fly‑past of vintage aircraft from Westonzoyland had to be cancelled due to strong winds, but several pilots attended the funeral in person to pay their respects.
The service, led by Rev Sharon Eldergill and Rev Cheryl Hawkins, included the hymn I Vow to Thee My Country, a reading of Psalm 121 by Rachel Power, a reading by Jayne Hall, the hymn The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended, a Bible reading, the RAF hymn, and prayers. The service concluded with a moving Last Post and Reveille.
John’s life of service was reflected throughout the tributes. He served in the RAF, worked as a Burnham Policeman, and at Hinkley Point.
St Andrew’s was filled with family, friends, veterans, community representatives and residents, all gathering to honour a man who gave so much to Burnham-On-Sea and the Royal British Legion branch.
