Houston says final farewell to Pres. George HW Bush in heartfelt ceremony

Thursday, December 6, 2018
HOUSTON, Texas -- George H.W. Bush, who shaped history as America's 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years, is going to his final rest Thursday in Houston.

More than 11,000 people paid their respects to Bush as his casket lay in repose all night at a Houston church where his family worshipped. Some visitors waited for hours to pay tribute to Bush, who will be buried following a funeral at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

Mourners wait for hours to see Pres. George H.W. Bush


The only member of the Bush dynasty still in public, George P. Bush, says he and former President George H.W. Bush's 16 other grandchildren grew up in awe of the man they knew as "Gampy."
George P Bush recalls memories of grandfather


Grandchildren of former President George H.W. Bush gave readings from the Bible at his funeral in Houston. Those reading passages at St. Martin's Episcopal Church included Barbara Pierce Bush, a daughter of George W. Bush, and Noelle Lucila Bush, daughter of Jeb Bush.
Pres. Bush's granddaughters read at his funeral


The Rev. Russell Levenson, Jr. told mourners Thursday that Bush had a "resolute faith" and once asked what heaven would be like. He told those gathered at St. Martin's Episcopal Church that he imagined Bush was greeted in heaven by his wife, Barbara Bush, "with her hands on her hips, saying 'What took you so long?'"
Reverend talks about praying for Barbara



Performing were some of Bush's favorite country music stars, including the Oak Ridge Boys doing "Amazing Grace."
Oak Ridge Boys perform Amazing Grace


Reba McEntire sang "The Lord's Prayer" as three days of official ceremonies in Washington gave way to more personal touches for the former president in Texas.
Reba McEntire performs at Bush funeral


The grandsons of former President George H.W. Bush served as honorary pallbearers at his flag-draped casket was carried out of a Houston church following the last public remembrance for the 41st president. Among the grandsons who served as honorary pallbearers at Thursday's funeral service were George P. Bush, Samuel Bush LeBlond and Pierce Mallon Bush.
Pres. Bush's casket leaves church


Thursday's service also attracted local sports stars.
Several sports figures paid their respects to Bush


The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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