Well-loved Fred Bonser dies at 95

A well-known Wolverhampton character who never moved more than half a mile from his birthplace in the city has died aged 95.

Fred Bonser, born in Drayton Street, Blakenhall, as the youngest of five, lived in Park Street South from 1922 until his death on Tuesday.

His family have been market traders in the area since the 1830s and he began work at Wolverhampton market with brother Tom at the age of 14.

Five years later he launched his own glass and china business with his sister Ciss and became a regular at markets in Cradley, Black Heath and Smethwick throughout the 1930s.

He was declared unfit to serve in the forces in the Second World War because of a heart murmur and worked at Fisher bearings in Upper Villiers Street, Blakenhall during the conflict.

After the war, he returned to his job at the three markets handing over business at Black Heath to son Tony in the mid-1950s but continuing at Cradley until the age of 70 when he handed over control to his other son David.

Mr Bonser then continued to work at the wholesale business launched by the family in Upper Villiers Street about 25 years ago until he was 90. The twice married father-of-two had five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He died on Tuesday in New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton where he had been taken with heart problems.

His granddaughter Kim Dudley said: "He loved Wolverhampton. Whenever he left the city he could not wait to return. He was a great man and a good businessman who lived for his family."

Detail of the funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

By John Scott