Lifelong Derby County fan Peter Noon was honoured with a Rams-themed funeral cortege featuring a personalised number plate. The 83-year-old supporter, affectionately known as 'Noony', was from Cotmanhay near Ilkeston and began following the club at the age of five.
His wife, Olive Noon, chose the tribute which included a specially designed hearse. It displayed Rams logos on its sides and the phrase 'You Rams' above the windshield. A personalised number plate reading 'Noony' was also part of the procession.
Olive Noon described the service as perfect. The number plate now sits in their son's garden as a lasting memento of his father's passion.
Funeral details and tributes
The funeral was arranged by M.A. Mills Funeral Service, which has offices in Cotmanhay and Allenton. The firm teamed up with Football Funerals East Midlands for the service. Julia Carty, the general manager and funeral director at M.A. Mills, said football is woven into the identity of many people across the region.
She explained that it feels right for families to reflect the team their loved one followed. Touching moments can include seeing family wear club colours or hearing stories about matches attended together. M.A. Mills offers a football funeral package that can include a personalised number plate, club-coloured ties for bearers, and the option for the cortege to pass by a home ground.
Julia Carty added that the firm has seen an increase in requests for football-themed funerals, with many families wanting to incorporate club anthems or specific chants into the service. She noted that these personal touches provide significant comfort, turning a moment of loss into a celebration of a lifelong dedication that often spanned generations.
Club context
The tribute comes as Derby County continue their Championship campaign in a difficult period. The Rams sit 23rd in the standings with just six points from nine games, having won only once. Their recent form includes two draws and three defeats, with the team having conceded 16 goals while scoring only 8. Ahead of their next fixtures, an away trip to Queens Park Rangers on 14 October, the club will be looking to improve on a record of just one clean sheet this season.
Peter Noon later took his own children to Derby County matches, passing on his support. The club remains a central part of the community, with stories like this highlighting the deep personal connections it fosters beyond the pitch. The funeral service heard how his dedication was a constant throughout his life, from his first match as a young boy to sharing that tradition with his family, creating memories that outlast any single result on the field.
Background and full detail: uk.news.yahoo.com
