The funeral of former Whitwick Parish and North West Leicestershire District councillor Derek Howe will take place this Friday (February 16).

Tributes have been paid by District Councillors to Mr Howe, who sadly passed away last month.

Whitwick Parish Council says that Cllr Howe's funeral will take place on Friday, commencing with a service at St John the Baptist Church at 1pm.  

There will then be a cremation at Loughborough Crematorium, followed by a gathering of commemoration at The Black Horse in Church Lane.

District Councillors in Coalville recently offered tributes to Cllr Howe at a recent full council meeting.

At that meeting, it was agreed to present Cllr Howe's family with a plaque from the council building he opened in Coalville in the early 1980s and which is soon to be demolished.

Chair, Cllr Ray Morris, said: "You may be aware of the sad death of ex-councillor and former Chairman of the Council, Derek Howe.

"Derek was a Labour candidate for the Whitwick Ward for 42 years. He was first elected to the newly formed North West Leicestershire Council in 1973 and served until 2015. 

"He was also the chairman of this council in 1988. I know that many of you have known or worked with Derek."

Labour group leader Sean Sheahan, said: "Thank you Chair. I knew Derek as a colleague on the council for many years. 

"He absolutely dedicated himself to the role of his councillor and the professionalism he showed in the role made a strong impression. He set an example and shaped the people around him. I think Derek will be remembered for a very long time."

Cllr Peter Moult, added: "I would just like to echo that sentiment of my colleague. I had the pleasure of knowing Derek for nearly 50 years. He was an old school gentleman. Derek was a true friend to the people of Whitwick, who he represented diligently for 42 years as a councillor."

Cllr David Everitt said: "When I came here, we soon became friends because I really admired the way that he didn't mince his words. 

Derek Howe pictured as District Council chairman from 1980-81

"He knew exactly where he stood. And what he said, very often, led to arguments and people getting annoyed with him. But the thing about Derek was, he'd have a really good argument. And the next day, he'd be your friend. He wouldn't hold any grudges whatsoever. 

"He was an extremely clever debater. People had made their made their minds up, saying 'we'll do this'. And then Derek suddenly came in and spoke, and they'd change their mind. I thought that was brilliant. I don't think they realised what had happened, but it was quite powerful. I was proud to know him."

Cllr John Legrys dded: "I remember Derek well, he was a good friend and colleague at that particular time and provided us with a lot of wisdom, particularly reflecting on the time that he served on this council, particularly with the housing portfolio. 

"Chair, I find it sad that Derek has passed on this year, the 50th year of this council. I don't think there's anybody in the chamber who was on the original council. I'm formally asking in the meeting about something that's quite close to my heart, and the yet to be demolished former council building - there's a plaque on that building, which was opened in around 1980 by Derek.

"I think it would be a fitting tribute from this council to present that, in some improved condition to their family."

Cllr Nick Rushton said: "I first met Derek here and I was elected in 1987 and her was already an old hand. I found him to be a good old fashioned Labour man in the truest sense of the word. He was honest, he was a man of his word. And I liked him a lot."

Cllr Tony Gillard said: "Derek was a dear friend, we were of different political persuasions. We had our differences from time to time. But the next day and he'd ring you up and we'd have a chat. 

"We worked closely together on local issues and campaigned together. Derek didn't get the name Mr. Whitwick for nothing. He was a true champion of Whitwick, a tremendous chap who will be sorely missed. I'll miss him immensely."

Whitwick Parish Council issued a statement about Cllr Howe, wo was a Freeman of Whitwick.

It said: "It is with great sadness and gratitude that Whitwick Parish Council received the news of the death of former councillor, Derek Howe.

"Derek served as one of Whitwick's district councillors for more than four decades, he was part of the steering group which brought about the formation of Whitwick Parish Council, and served the council and parishioners for the first eight years of its existence.

"In June 2013, Derek was the first resident to be bestowed the title of 'Honorary Freeman of the Parish of Whitwick'.

"Derek always had the good of Whitwick at heart and only stepped down from public life due to his failing health, but he remained constantly interested and always available for advice."

Sue Colledge, Chair of Whitwick Parish Council, paid tribute to Derek and said: "Beyond all his achievements for the area, I considered Derek a dear friend. 

"Rest peacefully now, reunited with your beloved Molly."

The statement added: "At this time, Whitwick Parish Council remembers all that Councillor Howe did for our community.

"The Parish flag was lowered to half mast on the day that Councillor Howe's death was announced and will be lowered again on the day of his funeral as a mark of respect and gratitude for his work on behalf of Whitwick and its residents."