11/12/08 - Dudley Seaton

Dudley, who had learning difficulties from birth, was a popular character around the town and shops in Melton.

From the age of 18 he was a member of the working men's club, Royal British Legion, the Stute at Asfordby Hill, Melton Mencap and the Gateway Club.

Dudley was also

a member of the quiz team at the Cherry Tree pub as well as the Country and Western club at Asfordby Amateurs.

Bus drivers will

remember him well as Dudley often used to enjoy going on bus trips around the Vale of Belvoir, taking in the scenery.

Dudley's parents Peter and Dorothy, of Edendale Road, said country and western music and

watching The Bill were among his greatest loves.

He was also interested in agricultural engineering – stemming from the many years the family spent on a farm in Leesthorpe before moving to Melton.

Peter said: "We were right there with him until he died. He always had fun with people and got on very well with them. He used to go in the Legion and was a real character with the

members.

"He had lots of friends everywhere and I don't think there are many shops that won't

remember him."

He added: "Dudley had a real interest in

agricultural engineering. He had Farmers Weekly every week which he read from cover to cover. He loved tractors and

combine harvesters. When he was on the bus he used to like looking out for them in the fields."

Dorothy added: "Dudley was full of fun. He was a very good dominoes

player and used to sit in the Legion and watch the men playing. If one of them went to the bar he would take their place and nine out of 10 times he would win.

"He also used to like watching The Bill. If he wasn't here I used to record it for him. I will miss doing that."

Up until recently Dudley did two half-days of outreach work at Iceland supermarket,

having also previously done unpaid work at other supermarkets.

And on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays he looked forward to going on his bus trips after breakfast.

Peter said: "Dudley always went to The Elms cafe in Sherrard Street for a cup of tea and toast before getting on the bus. He used to love going there."

A funeral service will be held at Thorpe Arnold Parish Church on Monday at 11am followed by

interment at Melton Cemetery. Donations if desired to Mencap via

J. W. Hazlewood and Son. There will also be a

collection for Mencap in the church.