Goodbye to a wonderful couple (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Goodbye to a wonderful couple

TRAFFIC in Wootton Bassett came to a standstill as residents paid their last respects to a 'wonderful couple'.

Grieving relatives and friends of 74-year-old Theo and Iris Middleton, 68, attended St Bartholomew's Church, Wootton Bassett for the funeral service at 2pm yesterday.

The couple died from head injuries at their home in Beamans Lane, Wootton Basset.

Both coffins were covered in wreaths of cream flowers and were carried into the church followed by a train of mourners.

One floral tribute laid in the hearse read: "To the loveliest man I've ever met."

The private service was led by the Very Reverend Brian Horlock, and lasted 30 minutes.

As the funeral procession, led by Mr Horlock and the undertaker, made its way to the private burial at Wootton Bassett Cemetery, the two hearses drove side by side along the High Street.

In a written statement, the family said: "The service went well, the church was full, and all those present just wanted to pay their respects to a wonderful couple.

"We sang three hymns and tributes were read.

"The prayers were offered for the bereaved, and commended Theo and Iris into God's keeping, believing that when we die we begin our return journey to God who created and who loves us."

The family also thanked the press for respecting their privacy at the service and graveside.

The couple's son Phillip, 44, has been charged with killing his parents between July 6 and 7.