Appeal for couple who found man dead beside parents' graves
A woman whose brother was found dead at their parents' graveside has launched a search for the couple who discovered him in a bid to thank them for their help.
The grave where 65-year-old Tony Owen was found at Bloxwich Cemetery contains the ashes of his 93-year-old mother, Irene Owen, who died in February this year, and father Reginald Owen who died 31 years ago.
Mr Owen's ashes have now also been put in the same grave.
His sister Pat Turner, from Cannock, says she wants to thank those who tried to help the father-of-two, who had lived in Beeches Road, Leamore.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mrs Turner said it is believed he died after suffering heart problems.
The 66-year-old, of Benion Road said she had spoken to him on the phone just hours before police visited her address and told her he had been found dead.
The mother-of-two said: "I was gobsmacked. They said they found him at Bloxwich Cemetery. The police said there was no foul play and he had been taken to the Manor.
"The grave is in my name which is how the police tracked me down.
"Someone told me that a couple had found him and rang for paramedics. I just want to find out who phoned so I can thank them.
"If it wasn't for them, who knows how long my brother could have been alone.
"The coroner said his heart had given way. He had been complaining of chest pain at few days before but he wouldn't go to the doctors.
"He ever got over mum passing away. He spent a lot of time with her. It's been a rough year."
Mr Owen, who was also a grandfather-of-five, had been born at Walsall Manor Hospital and grew up in the Leamore and Bloxwich areas.
He was a former student at Elmore Green High School in Bloxwich and had worked as a welder.
Mrs Turner said: "He had lots of friends and was well known in Bloxwich. There's not many people who don't know him.
"He would help anyone and was someone who could never sit still. He was always doing something in his garden or shed.
"He had five grandchildren and worshipped the ground they walked on.
"He was motorbike mad. He had two bikes himself and his house was covered in motorbike pictures."
Mr Owen was cremated at Streetly Crematorium in September after his death on August 22.
Anyone who can help should contact lisa.obrien@expressandstar.co.uk
