by Lizzie Massey

lmassey@thekmgroup.co.uk

Scores of mourners gathered to pay their respects to much-loved friend and family member Kevin McKinley... shot dead in a Dartford street.

Songs, readings, prayers and hymns were heard during the funeral service, with the coffin decorated with red roses and white lilies.

On one side “Daddy” was spelt out in pink and blue flowers, on the other “Uncle” in white and yellow blooms and at the back was “Son” in red and white buds.

Kevin McKinley's mother Pauline Hayden said: “Today is the day we say goodbye to Kev. We hope you all enjoyed the service and celebrate Kev’s life.

“Although only 32 years old, I hope he lived the life he had been given how he wanted to live it, and will be up there watching over his children, his family and his friends.

“So today it will be sad but think of things good Kev put in our minds and thank you from all of Kev’s family for those who can make it, and those that cant but are thinking of us.”

It comes after the father-of- three, of Louvain Road, Stone, was shot in Fulwich Road, Dartford.

Family and friends stood quietly outside St Edmund’s Church in Temple Hill waiting for the hearse to arrive... the sombre mood reflected in grey, overcast skies.

Kevin McKinley and, above, the order of service

He Ain’t Heavy by The Hollies echoed around the church as Kevin’s coffin was carried in - brilliantly white and gleaming against the dark sea of mourners.

Fast Cars by Tracy Chapman was played as a member of the family stood to recite a short poem wishing on behalf of all the family that they had the chance “to say we love you, before you were given to the skies”.

Reverend Marcel McCarron told the congregation how important it was for Kevin’s family and friends to keep his memory alive, particularly for his three young children, Kev, Sally and Kim.

Everyone was invited to walk to the altar and light a candle in his memory and tears turned to sobs as people held and hugged each other for support.

But laughter soon filled the church as photographs for Kevin were projected onto a screen at the front of the hall.

Mr McKinley's body was laid to rest in Stone Cemetery, off St James’ Lane.

A tribute put out by Kevin’s family earlier this week read: “He was a dear son of Pauline and Paul, brother of Kelly, Paula, Christopher and Bryan, father to Kev, Sally and Kim. Also a loving uncle to his nephews and nieces.”

“He was missed by all and loved always.