A Legacy of Trust. A Future of Support.
Est. 1922.
A family-run funeral service with over 100 years of care, compassion and continuity.
A Legacy Built on Care, Since 1922
For over a century, A.G Butler & Son has stood as a pillar of support for our local community during their most difficult times. Established in 1922, our heritage is built on a foundation of unwavering compassion, local expertise, and a deep-rooted commitment to the families we serve.
Today, we remain a team of dedicated professionals who treat every service with the same honesty, trust, and respect that has guided us since our very first day.
Origins and Early Years
A.G Butler & Son was established during a period when local funeral directors often operated as part of wider family trades, such as carpentry or masonry. From its inception, A.G. Butler & Son focused on providing personal, dignified service to families in areas around Ilford and Dagenham. As a family business, it aimed to support the community through personal attention, a hallmark that would define its longevity.
Moving with the Times
Throughout the mid-20th century, the firm solidified its role in the community, transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to professional motor hearse and limousine services. The focus remained on personal service, with generations of the Butler family ensuring that each funeral was tailored to the family’s wishes.
Over many decades, the business expanded to operate three key offices tailored to better serve its local communities: a central location in the heart of Dagenham Town Centre on Broad Street, a secondary Dagenham branch on Green Lane serving the surrounding residential areas, and an office in Seven Kings, Ilford, established specifically to support families within the Redbridge area.
Most recently, the James Hawes Funeral Directors, Manor Park branch, which has been run by the West Family for over 30 years, has been added to the AG Butler & Son title, network of offices, further expanding our ability to care for families across the area.
Joining the West & Coe Family
By the early 1970s, our dedication to service led to a significant new chapter. In 1972, we were acquired by West & Coe,, another historic family-run funeral director that shared our guiding core values of honesty, trust, and respect.
This partnership allowed us to significantly improve our facilities and modernise our operations while proudly maintaining our independent identity and our role as a trusted friend to the local community.
West & Coe, established in 1903, brought a deep commitment to tradition and excellence that perfectly complements our own. Today, our offices, led by General Manager, Roy Hall and Company Director Jennifer Gillanders, under the leadership of West family, ensures that A.G Butler & Son remains a steadfast, independent presence in our community. Together, we operate as one team with a shared vision, providing unparalleled care to our local families and investment in local communities, from supporting sports clubs to charity fundraising.
The Strength of Our People
At the heart of A.G. Butler & Son is a dedicated team whose collective experience and personal commitment form the true strength of our company. Leading us since 1982 is our General Manager, Roy Hall, whose strong faith and passion for boxing inform his tireless dedication to both his work and the local community. This family legacy continues with his son, Sam Hall, who joined as a Funeral Operative in 2003 after spending his childhood Saturdays learning the trade by his father’s side. Our long-serving funeral operatives include Dave Rice and Steve Clark, both with us since 2003, who share a passion for cars, a hobby also embraced by Richard Buteux, who joined in 2018 with a keen interest in technology. Our dedicated front of house team comprises of Lisa Butler at 760 Green Lane, a boxing enthusiast and dedicated family carer who joined us in 2023, Marion Tomlin, our Broad Street receptionist since 2008 and an avid football fan, Ann Mason at 333 Green Lane, who brings a creative touch through her love of arts and crafts and Leigh McAdams, our Station Road receptionist. Together, our team blends professional expertise with a deeply human touch to support the families we serve.
Serving our Communities
With over 100 years of service, we have developed a profound expertise in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and faiths that make up our local community. We understand that every family has unique traditions, and we pride ourselves on our ability to facilitate a wide range of religious and non-religious ceremonies with the utmost sensitivity. Whether it is adhering to specific ritual requirements or honouring cultural heritage, our team provides knowledgeable guidance to ensure every farewell is conducted with the respect and authenticity it deserves.
Still family-run; trusted by generations of local families
West & Coe continued to grow from 2016 onwards, acquiring several respected family-run funeral businesses, including H. L. Hawes in Barkingside and Chingford, followed by established firms in Harwich, Kirby Cross, Burwash, and Heathfield. Each was carefully refurbished and integrated while retaining its local identity.
Alongside this growth, West & Coe strengthened its long-standing commitment to community support through charity fundraising, local partnerships, and continued investment in quality, care, and facilities. With fourth-generation family members now involved, the company looks to the future grounded in experience, family values, and community trust.
More Than a Funeral Service - A Part of the Community
We proudly support:
Local sports clubs
We are proud sponsors of local bowls clubs.
Local charities & events
We take great pride in supporting local charities and actively participate in local life. We’re proud of our community roots and dedicated to supporting our community.
Local events
We’re passionate about actively participating in local life, from sponsoring seasonal festivals to rolling up our sleeves for grassroots initiatives. We’re proud to be part of the local fabric and dedicated to supporting our community.
Local sports clubs
We are proud sponsors of local bowls clubs.
Local charities & events
We take great pride in supporting local charities and actively participate in local life. We’re proud of our community roots and dedicated to supporting our community.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
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