Alan Greaves was on his way to church to play the organ when he was attackedDetectives investigating the killing of a church organist in Sheffield have charged two men with his murder.
Alan Greaves, 68, died after suffering severe head injuries on Christmas Eve.
The lay preacher was on his way to Midnight Mass at St Saviour’s Church near his home in High Green.
Jonathan Bowling, 22, and Ashley Foster, 21, have been charged by South Yorkshire Police with his murder. They are due to appear before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
At a church service for Mr Greaves attended by Dr Steven Croft, the Bishop of Sheffield, his wife Maureen Greaves told the congregation: “You were Alan’s Christian family and he loved belonging to this church. I have felt your love towards me.”
The vicar of St Saviour’s, the Reverend Canon Simon Bessant, described Mr Greaves, a father of four, as a “gentle giant”.
Two other men are currently on bail pending further inquiries in connection with the death of Mr Greaves.
An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned earlier by Sheffield Coroner Chris Dorries.