EDWARD Jack Drewett, known as Jack by his family and friends, died peacefully at home on December 28 after serving more than 25 years in the fire service.

Mr Drewett, born in Trowbridge on March 1, 1931, spent his childhood in the town, growing up in a cottage in Hilperton Marsh with his older brother Dennis, who was well known in the town as a magistrate years later.

Mr Drewett became a plumber and went on to become a part-time firefighter at the Trowbridge station. He eventually went full-time at the station and became sub officer.

He also had his own plumbing business at one stage in his career and would go out to schools and other customers to fix any issues.

Whilst in the fire service he received a 25-year long service award as well as a British Empire Medal for services to the fire brigade.

Mr Drewett leaves his wife June, who he married in 1953, and a year later they went on to have their first child, Dennis.

The Drewett family grew as the couple had a daughter Janet, followed by another daughter, Jaqueline.

The family home, a bungalow in Eastbourne Road, Trowbridge, was built by Mr Drewett himself in 1961. It was just allotments behind the fire station beforehand.

Mr Drewett even built a footpath from his garden to the station so he could respond quickly to call-outs.

Mr Drewett was known as a social butterfly and was always up for a social get-together.

Mr and Mrs Drewett’s son and Trowbridge mayor, Dennis Drewett, said: “Dad was the life and soul of the party, he was very charitable with all things social and was at the forefront of every event.

“He did a lot of social events for the fire service and enjoyed his beer, just like myself.”

Mr Drewett died on the afternoon of December 28 at his home in Eastbourne Road, Trowbridge from a heart attack.

He was also in the late stages of Parkinson’s Disease.

His son added: “It was all very peaceful and he died in his own bed at home.”

“One minute he was sat up talking to his great-grandson and then when someone went to check on him to give him his medication he had gone.”

His funeral service will be held at West Wilts Crematorium, Semington, on January 24 at 12.15pm. Family flowers only, with donations in his memory to Parkinsons UK.