The colour blue and Everton scarves are welcomed at the service
Ste Jones, 33, died after a car crash on Christmas Eve
Ste Jones, 33, died after a car crash on Christmas Eve
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A funeral date has been set for a "funny and caring" dad who died after a crash while he was driving his family home from the cinema. Stephen Jones, known to his friends as Ste, was driving a Ford Puma with his partner and son in the car when they were involved in a crash with a grey Audi A4 shortly before 8.40pm on Wednesday, December 24, at the junction of the East Lancashire Road and Stonebridge Lane.
The family were rushed to hospital from the scene, with the 33-year-old dad-of-one from Bootle suffering serious injuries. He died in hospital on Saturday, January 3. His 34-year-old partner suffered serious injuries, while their eight-year-old son suffered minor injuries.
Following the news of his death, tributes flooded in throughout the grassroots football community for the dedicated children's coach. Close friend of Ste, Wayne McPartland set up a GoFundMe and paid tribute last month.
He said: "Ste was funny, kind, fun-loving. He was comical and a joker, he never took anything too seriously."
Ste coached children's football team Stocky Bilbao before moving to JFA New York, a low-level children's team, with Wayne explaining his side would often overachieve simply because Ste made sure they had fun paying football.
Wayne, 41, who founded Jenning's Football Association alongside former Bayern Munich and Tranmere Rovers forward Dale Jennings, said: "He did everything for the kids, every little detail was covered, even down to making sure they had their own bag and picture of playing for the team."
A funeral date has since been shared by Debbie Bennett Independent Funeral Directors on Facebook. The post said: "It is with great sadness that the family of the late Stephen Jones has asked us to announce his passing and funeral arrangements.
Ste Jones, 33, was described as "funny and caring" by one of his close friends
Ste Jones, 33, was described as "funny and caring" by one of his close friends
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"A Funeral Service will be held at Anfield Crematorium, Anfield, at 12.40pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026. Stephen will be very sadly missed by all his loving family and friends.
"Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC. A donation box will be provided on the day.
"The family would like you to join them afterwards at The Blue Base, Salop Street, Liverpool L4 4BZ to celebrate Stephen's life.
"Stephen's family have requested the colour blue and Everton scarves are welcomed to be worn to celebrate Stephen's love for Everton FC."
In a statement released by the JFA, it said: "Ste was a constant not just within JFA but across local football and with our friends at Stocky Bilbao.
"Anyone who knew Ste had nothing but kind words to say about him. The response from the Liverpool grassroots football community has show just how loved and respected he was.
"We were blessed to have Ste at our club. He treated the kids as if they were his own, always going the extra mile, right down to the smallest details. He made every player feel ten feet tall. Ste was Mr Grassroots."
The family of Ste, a massive Everton fan, paid tribute on Monday, January 5, in a tribute issued by Merseyside Police. They said: "Stephen was a loving son, brother, partner, uncle but most importantly a dad, a role that meant the world to him.
"A friend and a lifelong Everton supporter who was filled to his core with a passion to help people. His love for coaching children’s grassroot football meant he made a difference in so many lives. Stephen's death will leave a void for many people that won’t ever be filled.
"He will be missed deeply but loved forever and always in our hearts."