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Thousands Attend Funeral for Coach Ed Thomas

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jun 29, 2009 at 10:16 AM CST

Story Updated: Jun 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM CST

PARKERSBURG (AP) - Thousands of mourners have filled a Parkersburg church and nearby community center for the funeral of a beloved high school football coach who was shot and killed here last week.

A line of mourners stretched around the corner of First Congregational Church as people waited to get inside for the 10:30 a.m. Monday funeral for Ed Thomas.

Many others were filling up a community center, where a remote broadcast of the service is available, and audio is being piped out to a parking lot.

In addition to local mourners, members of football teams wearing jerseys from high schools across the state are attending.

Thomas was killed at Parkersburg-Aplington High School's weight room Wednesday. Police charged 24-year-old Mark Becker with first-degree murder.

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