David Edwards Jones: Designer of Wrexham AFC's badge and community stalwart dies, aged 77

Tributes are paid to David Edwards Jones - who died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Thursday, January 23.

Originally from Beechley Road in Hightown, both he and his father were keen Wrexham supporters at a time when the club was thriving.

And in the early 1970s, interested individuals were invited to submit designs for a new club badge - with the prize being £25.

David won - and after this success he went on to design a badge for Wrexham Rugby Club and a shield for the Wrexham Korean Veterans Association.

David Edwards Jones in his capacity as chair of the governors for the Rofft School Marford - with Eileen Jackson - then headmistress - presenting the cup to his daughter Karen on sports day

David was said to be a man of many talents - being a good musician and although he never had any formal lessons he played many instruments.

As a boy he would play the clarinet on the stage at the iconic Wrexham Hippodrome before the the start of the children’s Saturday morning film show.

In his youth he was a good sportsman and in this capacity he was chosen to carry the torch through Wrexham when the British Empire Commonwealth Games came to Cardiff in 1958.

He took an interest in art and painted as a hobby, and was also a skilled carpenter.

These skills were put to good use during the 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations when he put his ideas into action and made a float for the parade that had the appearance of a golden carriage.

The Wrexham AFC badge

With a teenager dressed as the queen and the children in red livery - it made quite an impact.

Many will remember him for his keen interest and contribution to the local community in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.

He was chairman of Marford Community Council and chair of the board of governors for the Rofft School.

David was also on the steering committee that introduced the formation of a youth section of Marford Football Club.

He also started a youth club and undertook many outward bound events in Snowdonia.

Canoeing, climbing, abseiling and archery lessons were very popular with the local teenagers in the area. He designed quizzes, organised dances, many different events to raise money to build Marford Community Hall, which is still in good use today.

David worked for ‘The Post Office Telecommunications Company’ when he left school, what is now know as British Telecom and remained in their employ at the Telegraph Workshop at Chester until he retired.

Among many happy times, Dave will be remembered by his friends as a gentleman always willing to ‘lend a hand’.

And to mark his passing they have arranged to meet at ‘The Acton’ on Monday, February 10 from 7.30pm to raise a glass in his memory, they would welcome anyone who would like to join in.