NEDERLAND - by Ashley Gaston - Hundreds of people said the final goodbye to a man who led by example for his family and his community.
57 year old Victor Lovelady was killed in Algeria.
He was on a 28 day assignment working as an industrial engineer when a militant group took over the natural gas plant where he was working.
Lovelady and dozens of other hostages died.
Victor Lovelady was a proud father, a loyal husband, and a devoted friend.
Six news anchor Ashley Gaston sat in on the funeral. She learned Lovelady lived a life full of unconditional love.
One by one people from Jefferson county and across southeast Texas walked inside Saint Charles catholic church in Nederland to attend the funeral of victor Lovelady.
“He was such a wonderful gentle person, not only a person of character but a person of love,” said Pattie Cokins.
Pattie Cokins says her cousin a life full of love and compassion.
The large turnout didn't surprise her.
“I expected it because Victor never met a stranger. They were only a stranger until they spoke to him in a kind and compassionate way,” said Cokins.
Lovelady's connection with people is evident by the number of cars surrounding the church.
Inside, they spoke of a family man, a trustworthy friend.. a man of god.. a man they say was very different from the militants who killed him in Algeria.
“Victor was just the mildest mannered person in the world and how anybody could do something like this is beyond me and I just don't understand it,” said Pat Wilson.
Speakers spent little time focusing on those who killed Lovelady. They concentrated on his character and how others can learn from his life.
“He would do anything for anybody, he was just down to earth, a great person, and he was the gentlest person in the world,” said Wilson.
Something family and friends knew well. An understanding these men and women say they'll carry with them long after they leave the church.
Lovelady is survived by his wife, daughter, son and other relatives in Southeast Texas.
There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
Earlier Today- Several hundred people attended the Tuesday morning funeral of Victor Lovelady at St. Charles Catholic Church in Nederland.
Lovelady, 57, was killed January 19 when terrorists took over the natural gas plant where he was working in Algeria.
Lovelady was an engineer and was in the 10th day of a 28 day assignment to Algeria.
Lovelady and his wife lived in Houston but spent most of their life in Nederland.
He's survived by his wife, daughter and son.
During today's service, speakers talked about his "unconditional love" for his family.
They said he taught his children to "do what's right, be considerate and trust in others."
They said he was a "good man, the exact opposite of these terrorists."
The service lasted about one hour at the church where he grew up. There will be a private graveside service for this family at a later date.
KFDM anchor Ashley Gaston covered the funeral. Watch KFDM and stay with kfdm.com for updates.
Hundreds attend funeral of Victor Lovelady
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