Tributes paid to Maurice Humphris
03/07/2026
The death of has been announced for the former funeral director and civic figure
Tributes are being paid following the death of Maurice Humphris, one of Banbury’s best-known businessmen and civic figures.
Mr Humphris passed away on Wednesday (July 1), aged 91.
With his brother John he spent decades at the helm of the family’s funeral business, Humphris Funerals, which has served the Banbury area since 1880. Renowned for his compassion and professionalism, he helped generations of local families through bereavement while building a reputation for outstanding care.
His contribution extended far beyond the family business. Mr Humphris served as a magistrate, was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and devoted many years to supporting local charities and voluntary organisations. His voluntary work included helping the Citizens Advice Bureau and driving people to hospital appointments.
In 2015, he was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of his services to the community in Banbury.
A passionate advocate for professional standards in funeral directing, Mr Humphris gained the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in 1959. Nearly 60 years later he proudly watched his granddaughter Lucy become the next generation of the Humphris family to achieve the same qualification, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the profession.
Maurice Humphris will be remembered not only as a respected funeral director, but as a man whose quiet dedication to public service, charity and the people of Banbury left a lasting mark on the town.
Details of his funeral will be shared in due course.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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