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We strive to deliver a first class service, one which would only be acceptable to a member of our own family. We believe, maintaining this strong ethos through our staff and by training them to the highest standards of the profession, we are able to consistently deliver this service to our clients.

We opened our Head Office in Crownhill, Plymouth in 1988, enabling us to serve a larger area of the city and beyond. “The Firs” is situated in easy walking distance of Crownhill Police Station and opposite the petrol station on Budshead Road.

Matthew Reynolds and James Wilkinson are the resident Funeral Directors for the Crownhill area and are available to help guide you through all the necessary arrangements.

At our Crownhill office in Plymouth we offer local direct cremation, competitively priced simple funerals and completely personalised traditional funeral services. Fully guaranteed pre-paid funeral plans are also available.

Our Crownhill office serves Crownhill, Southway, Derriford, Roborough, Estover, Leigham, Eggbuckland, Manadon, Whitleigh, West Park, Ernesettle, St Budeaux and the surrounding areas.

Contact Details

Amenities

  • 24 hour telephone service
  • Arrangement rooms
  • Chapel of rest & preparation facilities
  • Client parking available
  • Disabled access
  • Reception & Administration office
Latest Obituary Notices

Meet the team

Stephen Ware

Chairman

  • Sixth generation
  • N.A.F.D. (Dip)
  • Joined the company in 1982
  • Interest: Kayaking

"Nothing was too much trouble for you or your amazing staff"

John Ware

Managing Director

  • Seventh generation
  • BSc (Hons) Business Management
  • B.I.F.D. (Dip)
  • Joined the company in 2014
  • Interests: Plymouth Argyle and swimming

“Your calm and reassuring manner was very comforting and the subsequent arrangements were seamless”

Matthew Reynolds

Funeral Director, Manager

  • B.I.F.D. Dip.
  • Joined the company in 2021
  • Main Interests: Football, Rugby, Golf, Camping, history and quizzes.

"Thank you for your very professional and personal organisation, you certainly made a difficult time considerably less stressful with your help and support to us."

James Wilkinson

Funeral Director

  • Joined the company in 2024
  • Interests: Football, walking my dog, and spending time with family

"Thank you to Jim and the team at Crownhill. Jim listened to all our requests, and when the day came it went absolutely faultless and Mum had the send off she deserved."

Sharon Woodford

Roaming Administrator

  • B.I.F.D. (Dip)
  • Joined the company in 2022
  • Main Interests: Dancing and gardening

"Sharon made me feel at ease from the outset and the professionalism with which she dealt with everything was both reassuring and comforting."

Zani Williams

Graphic Designer

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design
  • Joined the company in 2025
  • Interests: Climbing, aerial hoop, board games, spending time with friends and family

"Zani produced a beautiful order of service and reflections video. Thank you."

Will Mudge

Graphic Design Assistant

  • Joined the company in 2022
  • Interests: Go karting, marketing and coding

"Will has done a wonderful job of putting the reflections together. Thank you so much for making such a difficult time so much easier."

Angie Pender

Company Accountant

  • Joined the company in 1992
  • Interest: Family holidays abroad

Latest news View all

50 Years Supporting Plymouth Roborough Rotary

On Saturday evening, Plymouth Roborough Rotary Club celebrated their 50th anniversary. John Ware and Graham May attended the...

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Opening of the New Office Building at Drake Memorial Park

This morning, John Ware and Shaun Harrison were honoured to be invited to the official opening of the...

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Our offices will be closed on Monday 31st August

Our offices will be closed on Monday 31st August and will re-open on Tuesday 1st September.   However,...

Read more

Join us for a tour at our Crownhill office.

Excellent
Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors in Crownhill4.9
Based on 46 reviews
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Michelle Cullen
2 months ago
WCP from the moment of our first meeting were more than helpful and considerate in planning my father‘s funeral. The professionalism and personal service they provided made a very difficult day easier for the family. Every step of the way I was kept informed. The order of service, the reflections of photos during the service, Vicki the celebrant, the gentlemen on the day that carried the coffin all excelled in the service they provided. The guests commented on how lovely the service was and this was all due to WCP. The compassion, professionalism and support was definitely a first class service and I would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about the service you received from our Crownhill office. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest professional standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud! I have passed a copy of your review on to the whole team involved with your father's funeral with my sincere thanks. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Donna Palmer
3 months ago
We cannot thank Matthew enough for his help, kindness and compassion shown to us. From the very first phone call, you could tell that he not only cared about the family, but also for our Dad/husband. He gave a sense of trust from the start. Nothing was too much trouble, they went above and beyond for us. The attention to detail was phenomenal. They thought of little touches that we hadn't thought of that suited our Dad/husband perfectly. They really cared for him as if he was one of their own. A big thank you to all the team at The Firs. You all made a difficult time feel lighter. We would highly recommend Walter C Parson to everyone. If we were able to give more than five stars we would, as they truly deserve so much more. Thank you for everything. Forever grateful, Liz, Donna and Sarah
Response from the owner:Dear Liz, Donna and Sarah Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review about Matthew and his team at Crownhill. As a family business, we strive to deliver a service of the highest professional standard and I was delighted to read that we achieved that for you. I have passed your review on to Matthew and his team with my sincere thanks. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Ann Welsh
7 months ago
I just wanted to say a heart felt thank you from all the family for your wonderful care, kindness and sensitivity. You truly helped us through everything to ensure that we had a beautiful service to celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father and Poppo - and we are so deeply grateful to you. We were particularly touched by you taking the route passed the road to “Plants Galore”. Steve would have been so delighted with that. I would also like to thank your lovely drivers for their part in the day.
Response from the owner:We are delighted to hear that our team were able to assist you in organising a beautiful service to celebrate Steve's life. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review.
Paul Yearley
8 months ago
Just a heartwarming thank you to Jim and the team at crownhill for looking after our mum at a very difficult time.mum had a funeral plan which made it alot easier for my brother and I Jim listened to all our requests for the day which when the day came it went absolutely faultless and mum had the send off she deserved. Again thank you everyone involved at Parsons crownhill for your empathy. Kind regards. Mark and Paul yearley
Response from the owner:I am so pleased to hear that Jim and his team arranged a faultless send off for your Mum and her funeral plan made things easier for you. I have passed on your comments with my sincere thanks. Best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Lisa Drummond
8 months ago
My brother and I are so grateful to all the staff we dealt with at Walter C. Parsons, especially Matthew and Caroline who made a very difficult time that bit easier. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect send off for our Dad.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind comments, Matthew and Caroline will be delighted to hear that they made a difficult time a little easier for you and your family.
Rich Coker
9 months ago
After losing both my parents in a very short time period, Claire and the whole team were amazing, supportive, respectful, and compassionate. I would absolutely recommend them when you are in the sad and unfortunate position I was in. Walter Parsons make the whole process more bearable, the very best thing, is they make the day go very smoothly.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review Mr Coker. I am so pleased that everything went as smoothly as possible at such a difficult time. I have passed a copy of your review on to Claire and the team at Crownhill with my very grateful thanks. Best wishes John Ware Managing Director
Becky Parry
12 months ago
I would like to share our thanks to Jim and the team for the excellent service and arranging the beautiful send off for our mum. We used them 11 years ago for our dad’s funeral and they were just as superb then . Fantastic team . Thank you .
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for continuing to place your trust in us and for taking the time to leave such a kind review.
Aaron Hocking
1 year ago
Huge thanks to James and colleagues at Parsons. Incredibly supportive of our Dad's unusual wishes and went above and beyond in every aspect, taking every stress away. Professionalism personified. Can not recommend them enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your extremely kind comments which I have passed on to James and his team. With best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Pete McKay
1 year ago
Many thanks to Matthew and his colleagues at your Crownhill office. The kindness and professionalism shown in arranging mum's funeral was outstanding.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your very kind comments.
Sylvia Evans
1 year ago
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave a 5 star review.
Stef Nash
1 year ago
A massive thank you to all at Walter Parsons funerals Crownhill, for making the process of our Mums a little less stressful. Having the funeral plan in place, and having their support and expertise through every stage of the preparations, was such a great help. The process from start to finish was excellent. Everything that we asked for was perfect, the flowers they arranged were beautiful and the service sheets were lovely. The car drivers were so respectful and nothing was too much for them. We cannot recommend Walter Parsons enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about the team here at Walter C. Parson. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud. May I, on behalf of the Company express my thanks again for taking the time to leave us a 5 star Google review. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Julie Waring
1 year ago
Thank you to Jim and the team at WCP Crownhill for compassionately organising our Mums funeral arrangements. You were all so very kind and helped us through a very difficult time. Thank you again Julie & Andrew
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind review about Jim and the team here at Walter C. Parson. I have passed a copy of your review on to them with my very grateful thanks. Best wishes John Ware Managing Director
Mike Page
1 year ago
A quality service. Everything was dealt with great grace and sensitivity.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your very kind comments.
Suzie Ackford
2 years ago
Stephen initially took our brief after our son died, with care and respect he helped us make all decisions. Then Zani, Matthew and Lucy produced a beautiful order of service and a reflections video. The flowers were stunning and what was a very difficult time was made much easier and very beautiful. Thank you Parsons
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review Suzie. I am so pleased that everything went as smoothly as possible at such a difficult time. I have passed a copy of your review on to Stephen, Zani, Matthew and Lucy with my very grateful thanks. Best wishes John Ware Managing Director
Anne Cook
2 years ago
Matthew at Walter Parson's handled my mothers funeral with compassion and dignity. I cannot thank them enough for everything they did. Would highly recommend them to handle any funeral.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your kind words, which I have passed on to Matthew and his team with my sincere thanks. Best wishes John Ware Managing Director
Marilyn Naunton-Evans
2 years ago
Walter C. Parson (Plymouth) looked after my father's funeral in early January. Every detail from beginning to end was so professionally and caringly dealt with - Dad would have been immensely pleased and proud, as were we, the family. WCP covered everything, starting off with a very helpful guide list of things to be done or to consider, and Claire was always quick to reply to any query... a lovely, patient lady. We could not have asked a better company to look after Dad.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review following your father's funeral. I am so pleased that everything went as smoothly as possible. I have passed your kind comments on to Claire and her team with my sincere thanks. With best wishes John Ware Managing Director
Allie Sevlus
2 years ago
Claire from Walter Parsons helped me have my mums clothes made into bears. Claire arranged for Tiller and co to make this possible. My brother and I are overwhelmed by the quality of the bears. I fully recommend having them done with your loved ones clothes. Thank you for a quick and easy service .
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for leaving a review, including a photograph of your two wonderful bears. We are delighted that Claire made this a quick and easy process for you.
Gillian Foster
2 years ago
On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Matthew and the team at Walter Parsons for the arrangements made to ensure that my father’s Memorial Service and interment of his ashes, last Friday proceeded so perfectly. Thank you also for introducing us to the Celebrant, Wendy Coulton, whose Service was delivered beautifully and sensitively. It was a lovely funeral which truly honoured my father and the long life which he enjoyed. Sent from my iPad
Response from the owner:Dear Mrs Foster, Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about Matthew and the team here at Walter C. Parson. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud. May I, on behalf of the Company express my thanks again for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Sarah Pope
2 years ago
Claire was so helpful while we planned Mums funeral. Nothing was too much trouble and we felt supported at every step of the journey. On the day, again Claire was there for us. Would totally recommend Walter Parsons, they have been amazing.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to put your thoughts about Claire and the team into writing. We are delighted that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard.
Kristina Dawe
2 years ago
Just a quick email to thank you all, especially Matthew for arranging Harry’s funeral. We cannot express our gratitude enough with the kindness and professionalism you put into everything. Every little detail was covered making life so much easier for us all during this difficult time. The communication and compassion was outstanding and we honestly couldn’t recommend you enough. Huge thanks to Matthew for being so patient and understanding with Joan and organising everything so meticulously. Thank you once again, Kristina and family.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about Matthew and the team here at Walter C. Parson. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud. May I, on behalf of the Company express my thanks again for taking the time to put your thoughts into writing. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Robert Braddon
2 years ago
Proffesional,respectful and friendly what a great team you have at crownhill .My thanks to you Stephen for your help and understanding at these difficult days.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your kind comments about Stephen and the team at Crownhill. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible. With best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
David Evans
2 years ago
Pidgens funeral directors in Torpoint recently handled my sister's funeral. They were polite, professional and went above and beyond to ensure that everything went well. My thanks and gratitude to David and Graham for their patience and professionalism.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about David, Graham and the team at Pidgen & Son. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud.
Rachael Mumford
2 years ago
There aren't enough words that could express our gratitude, to Claire & Matthew. From our initial appointment, the care and attentiveness, we recieved, was nothing less than amazing. A painful time was made so much more bearable, by them both, and they're attention to detail ensured our experiance was a comfortable one. But, most importantly, that my Dad's funeral was nothing less than perfect, in every way.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about Claire, Matthew and the team here at Walter C. Parson. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Tina Black
2 years ago
I can't thank the team at WP Crownhill enough. From the first call there was no pressure and I had absolute confidence in them. So kind, understanding, gentle and professional. Nothing was too much. They went above and beyond helping to create the best possible send off for my soulmate. They took time to get to know you and on the day Matthew was so 'in tune', gentle and professional. 'A thank you' doesn't seem adequate.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback as a Google review, it is very much appreciated. I have passed your comments on to Matthew and the team at Crownhill with my sincere thanks. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
Johnny May
2 years ago
My family and I would like to thank W C Parsons Crownhill, for the superb service they provided for our mums funeral. From the initial meetings with Neil, Matthew and Lucy, the communication was first class, allowing for the process to be as seamless as possible. The care and respect they afforded us was second to none. On the day of the funeral, the support we received from the team and the Celebrant Wendy, helped enormously to providing a very dignified and memorable service for our mum.. For W C Parsons courtesy, professionalism and compassion at the most difficult of times, we will always be grateful.
Response from the owner:Dear Mr May, Thank you for taking the time to write with such kind comments about the team here at Walter C. Parson. I am so pleased that you felt everything went as smoothly as possible and the service you were provided was of the highest possible standard. My Great-Grandfather would be extremely proud. We are very fortunate to have good people around us and you are kind enough to acknowledge Neil, Matthew and Lucy, who ensure that our ethos of providing a first-class service is upheld. I have sent the whole team at Crownhill a copy of this e-mail with my sincere thanks. It makes me very proud to be part of their team. With very best wishes, John Ware Managing Director
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