Last respects for shooting victim
Hundreds of mourners braved the snow to pay their respects to a "well-liked and much-loved" West Midland Post Office worker shot dead in an attempted armed robbery at his family's village stores.
Craig Hodson-Walker's family yesterday walked to the church from their store in Fairfield, near Stourbridge, to say their final farewells. Mr Hodson-Walker, aged 29, was shot in the chest during a raid at the post office and store on January 9.
Yesterday his mother, Judy Hodson-Walker, his father Ken, who arrived at the church in a wheelchair, his brother James, and his fiancee Lisa Bundy hugged each other in support as they made the short journey to St Mark's parish church in Fairfield.
During the service, the Rev Barbara Mapley, paid tribute to the sub post master's son, saying: "Craig is constantly surrounded by love and lives on in the hearts of those who will miss him so much.
"He has gone on ahead of us far sooner than anyone imagined through that terrible deed but his memory is treasured and he is safe in the arms of God and we give thanks for that."
Ms Mapley said Mr Hodson-Walker had made a "big impact" on the village because he was "so cheerful and helpful and willing to put himself out for others". She said: "It was a family characteristic. Many people have shared with me anecdotes that reflect the positive influence that Craig had – probably that he was unaware of."
Mr Hodson-Walker's coffin, covered in floral tributes, was carried into the church by pallbearers, including his brother James.
Mrs Hodson-Walker, her husband Ken, who was shot in the leg during the attempted robbery at Fairfield General Stores and Post Office, and Miss Bundy walked behind.
Family and close friends listened inside the church while hundreds of wellwishers gathered in the nearby village hall, where the service was relayed through a sound system.
Four men have been charged with the murder of Mr Hodson-Walker, attempted murder and attempted robbery.
