The funeral of well-respected former editor Keith Parker will be held next week, it has been confirmed.

Keith, who worked in Midlands newspapers for 48 years, died on Saturday at the age of 69 after a three-year battle with cancer.

During his career in newspapers, he was editor and managing director of Wolverhampton’s Express and Star and also spent time in the same roles at the Shropshire Star.

His funeral is expected to be attended by figures across the industry and will be held at St Michael & All Angels in Church Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday at 2pm.

It will be followed by a committal at Telford Crematorium at 4.15pm and a reception will take place afterwards at Park House Hotel, Shifnal.

Numerous tributes were paid after his death and further ones have been given by his former colleagues.

Adrian Faber, current editor of the Express and Star, said: “Keith was one of the leading newspapermen of his generation – a true professional and a doughty fighter for press freedom. He was a real friend and mentor – I shall miss him greatly.”

And Douglas Graham, chairman of the Midland News Association, said: “His long, distinguished and loyal service with the company coincided with its expansion in the 1960’s following the launch of the Shropshire Star. Keith was at the forefront of this both as editor and the managing director of both companies.

“I shall recall him as an amusing business companion who had total commitment to the newspapers he worked for. He will be much missed. My condolences go to his widow and family.”

Keith earned numerous accolades during his 48 years in journalism, including being made an OBE in 1993, and he also spent time on many newspaper bodies, including the Press Complaints Commission and the Newspaper Society.

There will be family flowers only at the funeral, but donations to Compton Hospice can be made c/o Harry Edwards & Sons, Funeral Directors, 1 High Street, Wellington, TF1 1JW.