Order of Service 

Entrance Music: Lara’s Theme (From Doctor Zhivago)  – Andre Rieu  

Welcome and Opening Words 
 
Morning everyone and thank you for being here today. My name is Jonathan Stewart, and I am a Professional Celebrant, and it is an honour to have been asked to deliver this Celebration of Life service this morning.  We gather in this solemn yet hopeful space to honour, remember, and celebrate the life of Eric Thomas Stapleton – known to many as ‘Tom’ – son, brother, husband, father, Police Officer, Detective Constable and a good friend.  
 
Today, we celebrate the many roles he played in our lives and the profound impact he made on each of us. We will also show our gratitude that Tom was part of your life …. I am sure he was so grateful that you were all part of his life story.  As we unite in our shared loss, let’s take a moment to explore Tom’s life —who he was, the experiences that shaped him, and the values that he held dear.  Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Tom personally, but through heartfelt conversations with his family and hearing about his incredible time given to a life in the police force and of his care and love for his family it is an honour to share his life with you this morning.  To bring us together at the start of our service today I would now like us to stand if you can as we join to sing The Old Rugged Cross – words can be found in your Order of Service. Thank you. 
 
Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross  (3.12)  

Please be seated everyone.  I would now like to take you back to where Tom’s story began….  

The Life of Eric 

Eric Thomas Stapleton was born on the 31st of May, 1925, to his Mother Sarah and Father Walter Stapleton. Tom was born in Lower Shelton, Marston Moretaine, and was the youngest of four children. His siblings, Ernie, John, and Beth (known as Bet).  
He attended Marston School and then Stewartby Upper School, eager to learn and to prepare for the world ahead. When Tom left school in July 1939 - the world was on the brink of great change as WWII broke out, and at just 14 years old, he went to work at The Igranic Electric Co. in Bedford. He stayed there until November 1940, when he made the move to the London Brick Company. It was at the London Brick Company where he met a young lady who would become the love of his life, Cynthia Denton. Be began courting and in 1949, Tom and Cynthia were married at St Mary’s Church in Marston Moretaine— starting a new chapter in their lives together. 
Tom worked at the London Brick Company until February 1944, when his life took a turn. As part of the wartime efforts, he was conscripted as a 'Bevin Boy' and sent to work in the coal mines of Stoke on Trent for a time. After being released from the mines in February 1945, he joined the Irish Guards, a decision that reflected his courage and sense of duty. Once he was discharged from the Guards, Tom returned to work on the land for a period of time before finding his true calling in the police force.  

On the 17th of March, 1952, Tom took up his badge as a police officer. His career began at Kempston police station, where he lived in the Police House.  In January 1955 Tom was posted to take over the Cople Beat which covered the villages of Cople, Cardington and Willington, Tom and Cynitha moved into the Police House at 68, Willington Road, Cople with their 6 month year old son Nigel. Their family grew in Cople with Andrew arriving in 1956 and following the move to Bedford Sarah arrived in 1965.  Tom was well liked and respected by all who knew him. He was proud of his work, and the community soon came to know him as a kind and fair officer. At Christmas time and as gratitude he would often get a turkey and veg gifted to him and his family from the farmers and community members around Cople.  

As a father, Tom was calm and patient, often playing the role of the laid-back parent, except when one of his children crossed the line. He always warned them that “any mischief would reflect back on him, being in the police force…. so behave”!!! Cynthia, on the other hand, was known to be the fiery one, always keeping the household in order. But together, they made a perfect team. 
Tom remained the village constable in Cople for 9 and a half years. Tom got a commendation from the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police after bringing a runaway horse and cart to a stop in the street. Now its important to note that Tom was never one to do anything for praise or a promotion, he was an incredibly modest man, he did it because it was the right thing to do and it was his duty and he was very good at his job. A particularly proud moment for Tom was when he was invited to represent Bedfordshire Police at the Celebration for Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee on the 6th May 1977. 

Tom was transferred into the CID in Bedford where he continued to serve until his retirement. In the CID is where he met a young Detective called Brian Prickett, Tom took Brian under his wing as did Tom’s colleagues Jack Beck and Dan Barrett. After speaking with Brian, he expressed how much he had learnt from Tom in those years working together, and once Tom retired if he was ever stuck he’d always think ‘What would Tom do?’ Tom was so well regarded as an officer and he was respected by many young detectives. The current Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire remembers Tom fondly from her time living in Cople and even message Brian when she heard of Toms passing to say ‘what a lovely man he was’.  

In retirement from the force Tom wasn’t one to slow down. He took up a position as a senior security officer with Tesco, initially overseeing three large warehouses in Milton Keynes. Over time, he moved into regional security, and after more than a decade, Tom retired from the company on his 65th birthday in 1990. 

We will now join and sing our second hymn this morning How Great Thou Art words can be found in your Order of Service. Please stand if you can.  

Hymn: How Great Thou Art  (3.42) 

Please be seated everyone.

Tom was incredibly proud of his children. He was always there for them, ready to offer advice when needed, and he had a special bond with his daughter Sarah, who was the “apple of his eye,” as both Nigel and Andrew happily agree!! Though Tom never had grandchildren of his own, he had a deep affection for his nephew’s children and their children, earning the affectionate nickname of “Uncle Tom.” 
I now welcome up Victoria - Tom’s niece, to share her fond memories of her Uncle Tom. Thank you Victoria.

Family Tribute – Written and read by Victoria Moore  
 
I’m going to keep this as upbeat as I can. He wouldn’t want us to be sad today, he never wanted a letter from Charles, he only wanted one from Queen Elizabeth. I loved my uncle tom, he was my best mate, and before I say this bit I’d like to give my uncle willy the chance to cover his ears…he was also my favourite uncle.  
 
He liked lots of things such as growing his tomatoes, eccels cakes, parties, making bread..even teaching us history at a young age. I learnt things from him that I never learnt at school, such as the f’arewe tribe. Despite him being adamant that the f’arewe tribe living in the fields behind grandad Malcolm's house, I’m still to this day waiting to see them jumping up and down in the long grass.  
 
One thing he did teach me that will stay with me forever is to never let your age define who you are. Two occasions will stay permanent in my brain to remind me of this. On your program you should see a picture of one handsome uncle tom stood Infront of a London bus. This was the day we took him for afternoon tea on a London bus. He was in his 90’s, we did think is this actually a good idea? But I must admit, ive never seen someone go up the steps on a double decker so fast! There were no flies on him, even when we were driving round, he knew all the roads and all the landmarks, was like having afternoon tea with a sat nav. When we got back to the station, he flew down the stairs and was in the underground station before all of us. He then announced he needed the loo…in the time it took us to look up and around for the closest disabled loo and turn back to direct him…he'd gone. There in the distance was this little old man pegging it through the hustle and bustle of London carrying his stick. Once i'd caught him up, in true uncle Tom style, he said he was ‘fine dear, only need a quick wee’. He even left me with his stick as it was getting in his way.  
 
The second memory I have is of when I took uncle tom for lunch. Some of you may be aware of this event, some of you not. For those that don’t.. this was the day he ate me out of house and home and for a split second he did infact act as a old man in his 90’s. I arrived to pick him up in my pick up truck, the same truck that my mother has to hold every handle possible and jump to get in, yet uncle tom leapt in and out with ease. On the way there, while im trying to listen to the sat nav, I had the usual of uncle tom saying what used to be where till they built all these bloody houses, including the odd arm point flying across your face as your trying to get round a roundabout in one piece. He also wanted to know what all the buttons did..we arrived with the sunroof open, two windows down and a range of radio channels playing loudly for Milton keyenes to hear. Neatly outside the pub was a sign advertising two courses at a reduced rate for oaps, I thought, bargain…I thought wrong. The waitress brought over two menus, one being their normal main menu and the other was the two courses one advertised outside. Uncle tom immediately put the oap one down and promptly ordered not just a pint but also a starter and a main. Once he had seen these off, the waitress came along and asked if we’d like desert. I said no, too full thank you….uncle tom on the other hand said yes please! When she then asked if he would like custard or ice cream…he said both! When the bill came, that’s the only time ive seen my uncle tom act his age…I said how much it was…”pardon dear?”…I pointed to the amount “what does that say dear”….as soon as I had paid it he was up on his hindlegs and out the pub in seconds, wasn’t a old man anymore! So when you're at the wake later trying to decide what sweet treat you’d like…do him proud and just have one of each! I know he would! 
 
Thank you Victoria for sharing those wonderful and cherished memories of your uncle Tom with us here today.  
When Tom retired from Tesco’s, he didn’t rest. He became the treasurer of the Tesco’s retired staff association, organising day trips and holidays both in the UK and in Europe and fundraising for Willen Hospice.  Tom found great joy in watching cricket. He would often stop to watch a match when out and about or up at Campbell Park. Once Sky began broadcasting live cricket matches, Tom was glued to the screen for hours. In retirement Tom even took up indoor bowls and would visit the Bletchley Leisure Centre regularly to play. 

In 2018, Tom faced one of the hardest times of his life with the passing of his beloved wife Cynthia. Yet, he continued to live independently, always on his own terms, carrying on with strength and determination.  In the later years of his life, Tom found comfort in books, particularly crime novels. He loved solving mysteries and even kept a spreadsheet of all the books he’d read—a reflection of his sharp mind and attention to detail at all times. 

Sadly, after a fall on Christmas Day. He was admitted to Milton Keynes Hospital, and on Wednesday 29th of January 2025, at the age of 99, Tom passed away peacefully. His passing came as a shock to his family and to all who knew him. We take comfort in the fact Tom is reunited with his beloved wife Cynthia. Tom’s legacy is one of a devoted family man, a respected officer, a credit to the police force, and a good friend to many. Today, as we say goodbye to Tom, let us remember him not with sadness but with gratitude for the wonderful life he lived and the countless ways he made this world a better place. 
 
We will now pause for a moment of reflection before we say our final farewell to Tom. Please allow your thoughts and personal memories linger as you remember Tom, his life and what he meant to you.  
 
Pause for Reflection 
Music: Piano Concerto 21 in C Major. Elvira Madigan – Mozart (2mins 31Sec)  
 
Please stand now if you can as we say our final farewell to Tom.  
 
Farewell 
 
(Following words to be said over the top of the music as it plays quietly) Music:  Let Erin Remember - Regimental Band of The Irish Guards (1.02sec on Wesley Media)   
 
Tom, you are so dearly loved. You are in our hearts and our minds, and we’ll carry you with us as we move forward with our lives. 
Tom, everything you have done is still done.  Everyone you love is still loved.  Everything we’ve learnt from you is still learnt.  
We thank you for everything you were, and all that you gave. Your life was a true blessing.  Tom, we now let you pass from this world for which you did so very much, and for which you continue to do, because when we walk this earth, we walk it with you.  You leave us with the strength and pride to do what is good and right, And your memory will guide us just as you did when you were at our side.  
 
Rest now in eternal peace. 
 
(CURTIANS CLOSE as music plays) Music: St Patrick’s Day – Regimental Band of The Irish Guards (42secs on Wesley Media)  
  
Please be seated.  
 
Saying goodbye is never easy, we are left with a space, a void in our lives and somehow, we know we must continue the remainder of our days without Tom.  Helping to bring comfort I now share with you a poem called One At Rest.