One of two victims murdered Sunday morning at West Freeway Church of Christ was laid to rest Thursday.
The private funeral service for Richard White, 67, was set for Thursday afternoon at Western Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott attended and spoke at the service.
White was armed and serving on the West Freeway Church of Christ security team when he was shot by a gunman, 43-year-old Keith Kinnunen. White and parishioner Anton "Tony" Wallace were killed in the attack.
White’s funeral drew approximately 300 friends and family members as well as law enforcement agents including Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus and Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn.
Governor Greg Abbott was among those who spoke during the nearly two hourlong service, saying White was the kind of man he wishes he’d met before.
“But I leave here today knowing the man and knowing his connection to this community, to this congregation and his commitment to God,” said Gov. Abbott following the funeral. “He lived such a Rich life and I am so proud of what he did to step up and help his fellow Texans. There were people in that congregation today that are alive today because Rich stood in the breach and protected others from harm’s way.”
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
The governor vowing to help the congregation and the victims’ families as they continue to heal.
“Texas is standing strong with this community. We will continue to work with this community,” he said.
Abbott, as other lawmakers have done since the shooting, is also touting two laws passed by the state legislature in recent years allowing people to carry concealed weapons inside churches and eliminating fees private institutions charge when they create their own security forces.
NBC 5 asked Gov. Abbott if he will continue to seek more laws pertaining to armed security in churches.
“We will be always considering laws that will allow people to defend themselves and defend others from any type of danger,” he said. “So yes, we will continue to look into laws like that.”
White's family issued the following statement:
"Richard White was born in West Texas in 1952. He is survived by his loving wife, parents, three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and two brothers along with their spouses and children. Rich was an Eagle Scout, lover of adventure, and all things outdoors. He was a strong man of faith and a devoted member to the West Freeway Church of Christ community. He also served as an active volunteer on the church's security team. Rich constantly put others first and was always willing to help with a smile on his face."
Kinnunen was fatally shot by Jack Wilson, a member of the church's volunteer security team. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
