Mourners gather for Charlie Crowe’s funeral

Mar 6 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered yesterday to say goodbye to one of North East football’s favourite sons.

Charlie Crowe was remembered as a “working man, a family man and a footballer” at a moving ceremony on Tyneside.

So many people arrived to show their respects for the Walker-born player who was part of Newcastle United’s 1950s FA Cup glory years that the service had to be broadcast over a loudspeaker at Tynemouth Crematorium in North Shields.

Charlie who was one of only two remaining Newcastle players with an FA Cup winner’s medal, passed away last Saturday night. He was 85.

Among those united in remembrance of Charlie were Jack Charlton, Mick Martin and Bob Moncur.

Former United skipper Mick said: “It was a very moving service, especially how it related to football.

“Charlie was a popular man and that shows from the amount of people here today.”

The mourners were led by Charlie’s widow Ruth, 83, their children Lesley, Cathy, Charlie junior and Simon, and his wider family.

The moving service was conducted by the Rev Glyn Evans, who is well known for his passion for Newcastle United.

Over the years the vicar, ordinarily based St Andrew’s Church, in Newcastle, has worn a black and white dog collar and written a United-themed hymn book.

Describing Charlie as a “working man, a family man and a footballer”, Mr Evans told the mourners that Charlie would be reunited with his former teammates in heaven.