A former managing director at what was once one of the Black Country’s biggest employers has died.

David Lanfear died on October 5, aged 77.

The former managing director of wheels and assemblies at Rubery Owen had suffered a long illness.

The car parts manufacturer was based in Owen Road and Booth Street, in Darlaston, and employed thousands of workers before shutting in 1981.

Mr Lanfear died at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley where he had been for the last few weeks.

He worked at the company for 37 years, progressing from apprentice to become managing director.

Originally from South Wales, he was a huge rugby fan and played for Wednesbury Rugby Club. He was also a Wolves fan and enjoyed speedway.

He used to live in Compton, Wolverhampton, before moving to Himley with his wife Jean.

Mr Lanfear had two children, David, aged 44, and Yvonne, aged 50. He leaves three grandchildren, William, aged 21, Phillip, aged 18, and three-year-old Madoc.

David, who lives in Australia, has travelled back for the funeral which is on Monday at Lower Gornal Crematorium, at 2.50pm.

He said of his father: “He was a very charismatic man and had a great sense of humour. He was very intelligent and witty. He had a stroke a number of years ago and has suffered ill health ever since. He received wonderful care at Russells Hall Hospital.” Family flowers only are requested for the funeral. Donations will go to Russells Hall Hospital.