On-going research has traced the family to the Great Waltham and Little Waltham areas of Chelmsford. In 1631 a William Lucking of Little Waltham carried on the trade of carpenter and joiner and would, no doubt, have been asked to make coffins. “Undertaking” as the trade was then known, has changed over the years to become the profession of Funeral Directors.
It was not until 1887 that WILLIAM AUGUSTUS, the son of another William Lucking,
purchased the property in New London Road, Chelmsford. These premises remain the place of business and family residence today. William Augustus married Susan Piper of London in 1876. Their son GEORGE WILLIAM, born in 1880, carried on the business after the decease of his father. He married Mary Hurry and they had two sons, Percy and Gus, and two daughters, Gladys and Doris. When George William died at the age of 41 the business was carried on by his wife Mary (hence, M Lucking &; Sons) until the sons became of an age to succeed.
The second son, GUS stayed in the business and took over from his mother. He married
Alice Ketley and they had two daughters, Christine and Jennifer. Christine married Bernard Gowing in 1967 and they have one Daughter, Sarah. Bernard, then carried on the family business.
In 1996, Darren Lucking joined the company to help run the business alongside Bernard, as the increasing responsibilities had become too great for one person to manage alone. Darren is the grandson of Percy and the great-nephew of Gus, continuing the strong tradition of family involvement that has been central to the company since its beginnings.
In 2002, Roy Palmer joined the company. Roy, who holds the Diploma in Funeral Directing, brought with him both professionalism and dedication to the role. Roy is Darren’s cousin on his mother’s side, further strengthening the family connection that has always been at the heart of the business.
Sadly, in 2010, Bernard passed away. Following his passing, Darren and Roy continued the work of caring for families and arranging funerals, upholding the values, compassion, and high standards that Bernard had helped establish.
In 2019, Roy’s son Calum joined the company. Calum brought with him a new perspective and strong computer and organisational skills. His involvement has helped modernise certain aspects of the business and ensure that M. Lucking & Sons continues to operate efficiently in the modern era, particularly in managing the financial and administrative side of the company.
In 2023, another Callum joined the team, Darren’s nephew. Callum assists with the day-to-day tasks involved in running the funeral service, supporting the team and helping ensure everything runs smoothly for the families we serve.
Today, Christine, Jennifer, Darren, Roy, Calum and Callum work together as a dedicated team, continuing the proud tradition of a family-run funeral directors. Together they maintain the high standards of care, professionalism, and personal service that generations of families have come to trust from M. Lucking & Sons.
