J F Clarke & Son
J.F.Clarke & Son is an independent family funeral directors, in Axminster and the surrounding area. The family business has been established since 1880.
Funeral Services
- Traditional burial
- Simple funeral
- Traditional cremation
- Home visit
- On-site parking
- Chapel of rest
Funeral arrangements
- Home visit
- 24 hour telephone support
- On-site parking
- Chapel of rest
- Hearse
- Limousine
- Horse-drawn hearse
- Bespoke vehicle
- Coffin
- Personalised coffin
- Casket
- Headstone / Plaque
- Urn
- Memorial jewellery
- Floral tributes
- Charitable donations
- Newspaper announcement
- Online obituary
- Memorial book
- Order of service sheets
- Music
- Video tribute
- Funeral webcasting
- Catering
- Dove release
- Balloon release
- Fireworks
Types of funeral
- Traditional burial
- Simple funeral
- Traditional cremation
- Green funeral
- Direct cremation
- Burial at sea
- Non-religious funeral
- Anglican funeral
- Roman Catholic funeral
- Muslim funeral
- Jewish funeral
- Sikh funeral
- Hindu funeral
- Buddhist funeral
- Children’s funeral
Financial arrangements
- Financial advice
- Wills & probate
- Pre-paid funeral plan
Additional services
- Repatriation
- Bereavement counselling
- List of mourners
About Us
J.F. Clarke & Son has been established in Axminster since 1880. Roy Searle joined as an apprentice in 1972 and later became proprietor. In 1982, Simon Searle joined his father as an apprentice and worked at the family business until his retirement. In 2019, Simon entrusted his business to family funeral directors A.J. Wakely & Sons and continued working with A.J. Wakely & Sons until his retirement in 2022. J.F. Clarke & Son continues under the care of Simon Wakely.
J.F. Clarke & Son understand that the time following the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult and confusing. It can also become overwhelming if you are the person responsible for arranging the funeral. Simon and staff will be there to guide you and offer assistance at every step. The sensitive and compassionate team will talk you through every step that needs to be taken whilst planning a loving tribute for your friend or family member. J.F. Clarke & Son can also assist with arranging details including funeral transport, floristry, coffins and ashes caskets, as well as a wide range of memorials.
J.F. Clarke & Son in Axminster are proud members of: National Association of Funeral Directors & The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors. Call them today to begin planning the perfect funeral for your loved one.
What Families Say
AI SummaryMany families emphasise how the staff guided them through arrangements with patience and care, taking decisions away from them at a time when they felt unable to manage such tasks themselves. Several describe being kept well informed throughout the process and feeling that nothing was too much trouble, with particular mention of how they were consulted at every stage rather than hurried into choices.
Families often comment on how the funeral day itself ran smoothly and without incident, with staff being professional yet personal in their approach. A number note that attention to detail—from flowers and music to smaller touches like honouring personal preferences—helped make the day meaningful despite the sadness.
Many describe feeling that their loved one was treated with dignity and respect from the moment they came into the funeral director's care, and that this reassurance during the earliest hours after a death was deeply important to them.
This summary is generated by AI from recent verified reviews.
Verified Reviews
Verified Reviews
Professional Standards
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NAFD Member
Members agree to a published Code of Practice and can be held to account through the Association if something goes wrong.
What they do
- Inspects member premises to check standards are being met
- Runs a complaints and resolution service for bereaved families
- Provides funeral training and professional qualifications
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SAIF Member
Businesses are checked before they are admitted to SAIF and work to the Society’s Code of Practice.
What they do
- Inspects businesses before granting membership
- Represents independent and family-owned funeral directors
- Offers free, independent arbitration if something goes wrong
Latest Verified Reviews
Karl Butler 8th Sep 2024
Sabina was very helpful, respectful and kind and the arrangements were well organised and Lindsey was very nice on the 2nd viewing.
Yanti Beament 27th Aug 2024
I have always found the service and care received to be extremely professional and delivered to a very high standard. I would especially like to extend my thanks to Lynsey and Simon for their kind support.
Claire Margetts 27th Aug 2024
Lindsey, Tim and Neil were very professional yet personal in their handling of our friend’s funeral. They were most respectful of her wishes and golden charter preparations. Trudi the celebrant was very thorough and thoughtful with her observations and service planning. The flowers and personal touches on the order of service were very special. Neil our driver was very meticulous and considerate also. Thank you so much for making it such a special day.