Love and Stevens Funeral Directors

24/08/2026

A fitting send off 🚒

17/08/2026

10/08/2026

Funeral Announcement – Derek Rhodes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Rhodes (Twy), who sadly passed away at Pinderfields Hospital on 18th July 2026.

Twy was well known in Castleford and Kippax and worked as a miner, he will be sadly missed by his family. Brother to June, Enid, Lorna, Sheila and Arthur and he was an uncle. Also by his friends and the many people who knew him.

The funeral service will take place at Pontefract Crematorium on Wednesday 12th August at 2:20pm.

Family flowers only please donations will be given to the British Heart Foundation.

Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to remember Derek and celebrate his life.

After the service, everyone is welcome at Kippax Welfare, where refreshments will be available and there will be an opportunity to share memories and stories of Twy.

Sadly missed by many, but never forgotten.

07/08/2026

Funeral Announcement – Howard Whitaker

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Howard Whitaker, of Featherstone, who passed away on 30th July 2026, aged 80.

Howard will be fondly remembered as a much-loved dad, grandad and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will take place at Pontefract Crematorium on Thursday 20th August at 2:20pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend to celebrate Howard’s life and pay their respects.

After the service, everyone is warmly invited to join the family at King’s Croft Hotel for refreshments and to share memories of Howard.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, will be gratefully received in memory of Howard for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Forever loved, always remembered.

27/07/2026

Funeral Announcement – Keith Barton

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Keith Barton, of Kippax, who passed away on 9th July 2026, aged 56.

Keith was well known around the village and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and the many people whose lives he touched. His kindness, humour and friendship will be remembered by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Kippax on Thursday 6th August at 12:30pm.

We will be Paging along the high street and Gibson Lane, so please do bear this in mind when planning your journey as there will be 5 to 10 minutes delay. We appreciate your patience.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and join together to celebrate Keith’s life.

After the service, everyone is welcome to continue sharing memories and refreshments at the Kippax Band Club.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, may be given in Keith’s memory at the service.

Forever in our hearts, always remembered.

27/07/2026

Funeral Announcement – Clive Hutchinson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clive Hutchinson, of Kippax, who passed away on 16th July 2026, aged 70.

A devoted husband, a good friend to many, Clive will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A funeral service will take place at Pontefract Crematorium on Tuesday 4th August at 12:20pm.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and join together to celebrate Clive’s life.

After the service, everyone is welcome to continue sharing memories and refreshments at the White Horse, Ledston.

Family flowers only, please. If desired, donations may be given in Clive’s memory at the service to St James hospital, ICU ward J54.

❤️ Forever remembered, forever loved.

24/07/2026

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Jack Sykes 🕊️

It is with profound sadness that the family announce the sudden passing of Jack Sykes, who passed away on 29th June 2026, aged just 27 years.

Well known throughout Kippax, Garforth, Castleford and Pontefract, Jack touched the lives of so many people. His passing has come as a great shock, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

A service to celebrate Jack’s life will take place at:

📍 Pontefract Crematorium
📅 Friday 14th August 2026
🕥 10:20am

The service will be led by Daniel.

All who knew Jack are warmly invited to attend as we come together to remember and celebrate his life, sharing stories and memories of a young man who left a lasting impression on so many.

There is no dress code, however some friends and family are wearing Leeds United tops or colours and you are welcome to join in.

This a celebration of a life well lived and a chance to honour Jack’s memory in fitting style.

All are invited, after the service, to celebrate Jack’s life, to join the family at the Kings Croft hotel.

The family greatly appreciate the kindness, love and support they have received during this incredibly difficult time and welcome messages of remembrance for Jack. 🕊️

10/07/2026

Direct Cremation – a simple choice that more families are making

Over recent years, more and more people have chosen a direct cremation, whether because they want a simpler farewell, have only a small circle of family and friends, or simply prefer a less formal arrangement.

At Love & Stevens Funeral Directors, we understand that every family is different. For some, a direct cremation provides the time and flexibility to celebrate a loved one’s life in their own way, at a place and time that feels right for them.

Unlike some national providers, your loved one remains in our care here in Kippax until the day of the cremation. From the moment they come into our care, Stephen and Peta personally look after every aspect of the arrangements, ensuring the same compassion, dignity and attention that we provide for every family we serve.

We always tell families where the cremation will take place, which is generally at Pontefract Crematorium, and we will confirm the date and time in advance.

Our direct cremation prices are £1,650. We also offer prepaid funeral plans that can include direct cremation, giving peace of mind and helping to ease future financial worries.

Choosing a direct cremation does not mean compromising on care. It is simply a different choice—one that, for many families, offers simplicity, flexibility and reassurance.

If you would like to discuss whether a direct cremation is right for you or someone you love, Stephen and Peta are always happy to offer advice, with no obligation.

Simply more than a service, at affordable prices. 🕊️