1st Of Aurora Shooting Funerals Held
DENVER (AP/CBS4) - A Colorado father killed in last week's theater shooting is the first of the victims to be laid to rest.
Gov. John Hickenlooper and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan were among the mourners at a funeral service Wednesday for the man who took his two teenage children to the new Batman movie's midnight showing at the Century 16 theater.
Gordon Cowden, 51, was the oldest of the 12 people killed in the massacre at the "Dark Knight Rises." Two of the businessman's teenage children escaped unharmed. Cowden is also the father of two other children.
About 150 mourners attended Cowden's funeral at Pathways Church on Pearl Street, many carrying flowers. They walked by a large portrait of Cowden at the church entrance.
Cowden lived in Aurora, but was described as a "true Texas gentleman" in a family statement. He loved the outdoors and owned his own business.
"A quick-witted world traveler with a keen sense of humor, he will be remembered for his devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right thing, no matter the obstacle," his family said.
Later this week, families of other victims planned to say their final goodbyes. Funerals were planned in towns from San Antonio, home of aspiring sportscaster Jessica Ghawi, to Crystal Lake, Ill., hometown of Navy intelligence officer John Thomas Larimer.
Don't miss a special hour long report on CBS4 on Friday at 4 p.m. titled "Movie Theater Tragedy: Remember, Honor Support" which will look back at the week following the Aurora shootings.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
