What a great group of people you all are

this topic so facinating . It ought to be on the tele!
Dear Genealogy Fairy!
We want to find where he is buried.
We want to find a relative , his wife's side (even though she remarried), his sisters, aunts, cousins , even his brother in law - anyone! SOMEONE will have a box of photos under a bed SOMEWHERE and in it will be an annonated Photo of cousin R W STEAD , very possibly in his WW1 Uniform. Someone - we hope - who may be guardian of the family photograph album.
Although I have only posted on topic once, I have been following the thread for a long time
I still suggest - if it's possible - for someone look for Robert's death or funeral notice in the paper archives

If the Funeral directors are seeming to not hold records as far back as 1926, then what about the FD who officiated at his wife Elizabeth's (in 1990) and at his sisters (BALL in 1981)?
Thornton's may hold a Book of Rememberance, or similar for Elizabeth. It may be able to be consulted and may reveal the name of someone who can be contacted.
All we need is one living person who knew the family to start a chain reaction! Elizabeth may have remarried, and has died (after living to a grand age) - but that death was relatively recent. It may be easier to find someone conected to her? Even a friend. Someone who can lead us to said box of memories, which surely would include something of her young first husband.
some thoughts
cheers
AMBLY