Warren Eaton farewelled at Cairns Funeral Directors in Manoora

The mother of a Manoora man who died after a teen allegedly chased and pushed him onto a roadway where he was hit and killed by a car, says she never wants another family to go through what she did.

The mother of a Manoora man who died after a teen allegedly chased and pushed him onto a roadway where he was hit and killed by a car, says she never wants another family to go through what she did.

In a powerful speech at Warren Eaton’s funeral on Friday, Carolyn Wylie said she hoped her son’s memory would serve as a reminder “never to throw punches”.

Warren, 48, died on April 1 after he was hit by a car outside Raintrees Shopping Centre in Manunda.

There was not a dry eye in the hall as the community farewelled the beloved father of five at Cairns Funeral Directors in Manoora.

Ms Wylie said her son could always make her happy when she was sad.

She said he had brought her joy from the moment he was born in Mossman Hospital.

“It was particularly difficult for me this year when I did not receive a Mother’s Day call from my dear son, like I do every year,” she said in a speech delivered on her behalf by a family member.

Warren Eaton farewelled with a ceremonial dance on Friday at Cairns Funeral Directors, Manoora. Picture: Sandhya Ram

“Let his memory serve as a reminder to never throw punches.

“Let no family go through what we have gone through.”

Mr Eaton’s stepson Kayden Rangi delivered a touching tribute recalling their picnics on the beach as a family and remembered his father as a kind, patient and loving man with a wonderful sense of humour.

Mr Eaton was remembered for his outgoing nature, love of the outdoors and passion for sport.

Cricket and long distance running were his favourite sports — the latter earning him the title “road runner”.

Warren Eaton was farewelled by family and friends at Cairns Funeral Directors on Friday morning. Picture: Sandhya Ram

His partner Angie Ioaba said it had been extremely difficult in the lead up to the funeral.

Mr Eaton’s mother said it was tough on the family financially.

“Especially with Angie being a New Zealand citizen, it has been hard for her to find employment and receive support,” she said.

Warren Eaton, beloved Manoora man, farewelled on Friday at Cairns Funeral Directors. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Eaton with his partner Angie Ioaba and their children. Picture: Supplied.

A Go Fund Me has been organised for the family who are understood to be on the brink of homelessness.

According to theniece of Ms Ioaba, Marama Wipa, who has set up the page, with no father or insurance, the family have seven mouths to feed on just $550 a fortnight.

“The mother getting $380 a fortnight along with the eldest daughter getting $170 a fortnight, both get paid on the same week, the other week left with nothing,” she wrote.

According to Ms Wipa, it had taken two months to hold Mr Eaton’s funeral because the family had struggled financially.

“Without their Australian father, they are feeling like refugees in their own home,” she wrote.

Donations have been requested on behalf of the family towards essential food, clothing and home living supplies.

Police alleged Mr Eaton was left on the roadway before he was struck by a vehicle travelling along the road on April 1 and died on scene.

A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with manslaughter and is expected to appear in Cairns Childrens Court early next month.

Originally published as Warren Eaton farewelled at Cairns Funeral Directors in Manoora