Hundreds of mourners pack church to pay final tribute to Jordan Routley who was described as 'amazing'

More than 400 people packed inside St John the Evangelist, in Maindee, Newport for 21-year-old Jordan Routley’s funeral, who died last month.

Mourners donned red-coloured ties, representing the colour of Mr Routley’s favourite football team – Liverpool.

Jordan Routley's funeral

Reverend Martin Reynolds and Father Will Ingle-Gillis both officiated.

And Reverend Reynolds, who described Mr Routley as “kind”, read out warm words from a family member.

Jordan Routley

“This is from Jordan’s brother Tom,” he said.

“As you all know, Jordan was an amazing person – one of a kind.

“I feel extremely privileged to be able to call him my brother.

“Jordan would always have my back and look out for me.

“I have so many great memories that I will cherish forever, everything from going to my first Liverpool match with him and spending my 18th birthday with him in Liverpool, to just enjoying random night outs in Newport which have turned out to be some of my favourites because he was always such good company.”

He added: “Even though you are not physically here, I know you will always be watching over me, making sure I get home safe.”

Friend Matt Waters then paid tribute, saying: “I have lots of memories with Jordan that I will cherish.

“It is only fitting that we celebrate his life with his characteristics.”

Mum Nicola Routley-Johnson also read out a poem from Mr Routley’s sister, Mollie, which ended with: “You'll never walk alone. I love you, Jordan. Love Mollie.”

Among the hundreds of mourners were Newport City Council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox, Cllr Matthew Evans, Cllr David Fouweather, Cllr Charles Ferris, Cllr David Williams, Cllr Ibrahim Hayat, Cllr Richard White and others.

The coffin was then carried out with Dua Lipa’s One Kiss song being played.

Pill YMCA, who Mr Routley played for, previously paid tribute to him: “Jordan was a very thoughtful, happy and cheeky young man who will be sorely missed by his loved ones. We the club send our thoughts and prayers to the Routley family.”

And grandfather Cllr William Routley, who is the mayor-elect for Newport, has also spoken of his plan to dedicate his year in office in memory of his grandson.

He said: “Jordan has always been and will continue to be a loving, caring individual with a spirit of freedom and a smile that lit up every room.

“The death of my 21-year-old grandson in very tragic circumstances did make me think whether I could do it.

“It would have been far easier for me to defer for a 12 month.

“In fact, I did consider deferring. But it was my family who encouraged me to go forward.

He added: “I have now decided that I will dedicate my year as mayor in memory of Jordan. I will also make sure there is a photo of Jordan in the office.”

The Argus previously reported last month that a pedestrian had been killed in a late-night collision on Chepstow Road.

That person was later named as Mr Routley.