Funeral of dad of Doncaster comedian David Copperfield to take place

Comedian David Copperfield was originally called Stan Barlow when he began his career. (Photo: Getty).

Ronald Barlow, known as Ron, died last month at the age of 96.

Mr Barlow, who lived in Clay Lane, was a keen supporter of his son's career with the entertainer regularly making visits to his parents’ home and the nearby Clay Lane Club where he spent several nights with legendary movie star and hellraiser Oliver Reed.

Mr Barlow died on August 20 and his funeral will take place at Rose Hill Crematorium on Wednesday from 1.20pm.

Ron and his late wife Betty had two sons – Stan and Jim – with Stan becoming better known as David Copperfield after changing his name when he began in showbiz.

He is best known for his role in the 1980s BBC sketch show Three of a Kind, in which he starred alongside Tracey Ullman and Lenny Henry but his first TV appearances were on the Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club after learning his trade playing the working men’s clubs of northern England.

After Three of a Kind ran from 1981 to 1983, he worked on his own shows Coppers & Co and The Copperfield Comedy Company before working around the globe on cruise ships.

An obituary from Mr Barlow described him as ‘the dearly loved and respected dad of Stan and Jim and father in law of Chrissie and Ali, a devoted grandad, great grandad and good friend to many. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”