June - I think that's worth a shot!! I'd never thought of putting an ad in the local paper. You never know, some distant relative might know something. I know he lived with his daughter and husband towards the end of his life, and they were the Bartons, and I know there are Bartons still living in St Helens. Thanks.
Marg and Gibel - I really will have to pay another visit to St Helens. I've been a few times but couldn't find anything but then I was flailing around a lot, and didn't really know what I was looking for.
Gibel - Esther Jane, his wife, died following a fall in Stanhope St, St Helens 16.12.16. Inquest held 20.1.17. Information I've got from death certificate. She is buried in St Helens Cemetery:
Grave Section: 46; Grave Number: 414; Not recorded; Purchased: Yes
Lease Details: Lease Type: Fixed period
Lease First: 21 / 01 / 1917
Lease Start Date: 21 / 01 / 1917
Lease End Date: 20 / 01 / 2017: Lease PD, 100
In the grave with her are her daughter Edith Whitaker (nee Pendleton) (1969) and her husband John Thomas Whitaker (1941).