Everton icons and fans attend special memorial service for Kevin Campbell following the death of the former Toffees striker at the age of 54

Everton legends and fans attended a special memorial service for Kevin Campbell on Wednesday to pay their respects to the former Toffees striker.

Campbell died in June at the age of 54 after falling ill earlier that month, sparking deep emotion in the football community.

The popular striker played for Everton for six years, from 1999 to 2005, and left an indelible impression.

Club legends including David Unsworth, Peter Reid and Graham Stuart all turned out at St Luke’s Church in Liverpool on Wednesday to say a final farewell to Campbell.

Campbell’s son, Tyrese, who currently plays for Sheffield United in the Championship, was also in attendance.

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell died in June at the age of 54

Everton legend David Unsworth (pictured) attended a special memorial service for Campbell on Wednesday

Club legends Peter Reid (right) and Graham Stuart (centre) also attended the service

Campbell’s son Tyrese (pictured), who now plays for Sheffield United, was at the service

The memorial service was held at St Luke’s Church in Liverpool (pictured)

He posted an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram in the hours after his death, writing: “I appreciate that my father was admired by so many and the overwhelming love he gave to us as a family is a comfort to us. Thank you for that during such a difficult time.

‘The pain of this is indescribable and as a son you see your father as invincible. He is my idol, the one I wanted to be when I grew up.

“He was the life and soul of every party and every room he blessed, a one in a million person loved by all, a special special person. I’ll miss you, Dad.

“I would like to ask now that our family’s privacy be respected as we mourn the loss of an irreplaceable father, brother, uncle and a wonderful human being. I love you always, Dad.”

Campbell’s close friend Frank Sinclair was also at the memorial. The former Chelsea defender paid a moving tribute to Campbell in June by wearing a bow tie during Sky Sports’ coverage of the Carabao Cup draw. Campbell has often been seen wearing a bow tie during media appearances for Sky Sports and Arsenal, among others.

Campbell’s club legends and close friends were joined by fans who wanted to say goodbye to him.

Campbell had a glittering career, playing for Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Trabzonspor, West Brom and Cardiff City, before retiring in 2007.

Campbell’s close friend Frank Sinclair (pictured) attended the service after paying a moving tribute to the former Toffees striker in the days following his death

The memorial service program showed Campbell with his arms raised and a bright smile on his face

He scored 60 goals for the Gunners and was remembered fondly by former Arsenal manager George Graham, who remembered his last meeting with Campbell Post Sport in June.

Campbell will be remembered by many for his time at Goodison Park, so it was only fitting that the photograph on the cover of the memorial service programme showed the frontman in the famous blue shirt, with his arms aloft and a beaming smile on his face.