Ernest Martin, a prominent figure in Maidstone’s footballing history for more than half a century, has died.

‘Ernie’ as he was known, left school in 1942 and played for several teams around Maidstone, until January 1953, when he took up refereeing.

He was vice chairman of the Maidstone branch of the Referees’ Association for two years. He became a committee member for the Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday League, with which he was most associated, in 1964, where he served as referees’ secretary, league secretary, fixtures secretary and finally president.

He was also for three years chairman of the Maidstone Five-a-Side League and still found time to be an FA Wembley steward for 15 years.

He served as divisional secretary of the Kent County Football Association for 22 years and was its vice chairman.

He died, aged 86, on Saturday, December 6.

His wife Linda, had predeceased him in 2010.

His son David Martin said: “His greatest pleasure was to see other people go out and play sport.

“I think the highlight of his life was meeting (England player) Sir Stanley Matthews, which he always regarded as a tremendous privilege.”

Ernest Martin trained as a carpenter/joiner. He lived in a house in Neville Close, Penenden Heath, which he built with neighbours in a self-build project.

For many years until his retirement, he was the housing repairs manager for Maidstone council.

He also found time to serve on the PTA and as a school governor for Eastborough Primary School, where both his children and grandchildren were educated.

He leaves children, David and Lynne, and grandchildren Christopher, Stephen and William.

The funeral service will be at Vinters Park Crematorium in Bearsted Road, Maidstone, on December 30 at 2pm. All welcome.