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Community Reaction to Thomas Murder

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Jun 24, 2009 at 4:13 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM CST

Parkersburg - Ed Thomas wasn't just a football coach, he was also a social studies teacher and an Elder at his church.

In that time, hundreds of people in town say Thomas made Parkersburg a better place to live. This town is still rebuilding after a tornado leveled part of it last year.

People here say Ed Thomas played a major role in rebuilding, from raising money to keeping spirits high.

Immediately after today's shooting, students gathered at the school to console the 20 classmates who witnessed the incident.

At home, families made makeshift memorials.

"It's so tough and I feel so bad for the kids, they've been through so much already," said former neighbor Josie Mostek.

Counselors came in right away and a memorial service is set for 7p.m. tonight at the football field, which carries coach Thomas' name.

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