10/08/2026
Meet the Team Monday: Introducing Darren Illingworth
Originally born in Beverley and raised in Huddersfield, Darren has been dedicated to serving families in the funeral profession since 1990. Growing up in the close-knit communities of Netherton and Paddock, where his parents ran the much-loved Bob’s Stores in Netherton, he developed a deep appreciation for the people of Huddersfield and the diverse communities that make the area so special.
A television programme about the funeral industry inspired Darren to pursue his career. He began as a funeral assistant through a Youth Training Scheme (Y.T.S.) earning £19 a week and quickly realised he had found his calling. From fitting and making coffins to valeting vehicles and assisting on funerals, Darren worked his way through the profession, gaining respected qualifications in both in embalming through the British Institute of Embalmers he also gained a Diploma in funeral directing and became a B-Tec assessor for the funeral industry.
‘I feel very much at home caring for people, it is about the families, ensuring they get the uppermost respect, looking after people in their hour of need, it is the last thing you can do to make sure they cared for.’
For Darren, the most rewarding part of his role is helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives. He believes that every person deserves a meaningful farewell and takes great pride in guiding families to create services that truly reflect the life of their loved one. Whether traditional or uniquely personal, each funeral is approached with the utmost dignity and care.
Darren values the trust that families place in him and in the team at The Taylor Funeral Service. He is passionate about maintaining the highest standards, knowing that there is only one opportunity to ensure a funeral is exactly right. He said, ‘standards are so important it is vital to triple check details, so everything is perfect, from the initial telephone call to meeting the family, the day itself, we don’t get a second chance at someone’s funeral’.
Which is why he welcomes funeral regulation, he feels it will continue to drive standards up across the industry and give families more transparency. Darren still gets a lot of questions from families unsure on processes or what is needed he welcomes questions as it is his chance to pass on his expertise allowing the family to be fully informed and in control of how they choose to celebrate the life of their loved one.
After over three decades in the industry, we asked Darren does he still get Emotional? He answered ‘Yes of course I still get emotional when we are looking after a family, it is important to always remain professional whilst still being approachable. We must be strong for the families that we are caring for, we are there for them to help them navigate their loss. I consider it a privilege for our family at The Taylor Funeral Service to look after your family’.
Away from work, Darren enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine and their son, Ellis, sharing family walks, meals out and go-karting adventures. He is a lifelong football, cricket and rugby league supporter and enjoys attending motor sport events with his father.
We are grateful for Darren’s compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the families we serve. 🕊🎩
