By the time the sun rose on a cool Saturday morning, preparations for Det. Brad Lancaster's funeral and burial were already well underway.
WATCH: See sights and sounds from the day in the video player above
An honor guard kept vigil as his coffin lay in state, as hundreds of police cruisers assembled outside of Children's Mercy Park. Inside the park, workers set up chairs on the soccer field and prepared a dais for speakers.
The stage being set for the funeral of Detective Lancaster. Somber day @41ActionNews @KCKPDChief pic.twitter.com/nbSJ2gXl3D
— Richard Sharp (@RichardKSHB) May 14, 2016
Lancaster, 39, is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 9 near the Kansas Speedway.
A moving tribute
The Rev. Dr. Mark Holland of Trinity Community Church opened the service with brief remarks, which were immediately followed by the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
"On behalf of the family, I'd like to give thanks for the outpouring of support from around the nation and around the world," Holland said. He mentioned that President Obama sent a letter of condolence and local lawmakers attended the visitation.
Kansas City, Kansas police chief Terry Ziegler was the first of three speakers invited by the Lancaster to make remarks.
"We thank you for sharing Brad's life with us," Ziegler began. "Brad was born to serve others."
Speaking about the event surrounding Lancaster's death on May 9, the police chief said:
"Brad encountered pure evil, the same kind of evil that has taken so many law enforcement lives around the nation."
Next to speak was Scott Kirkpatrick of the Fraternal Order of Police. He recalled the "spark in his eye," whenever Lancaster spoke of his family and his passion for law enforcement.
"His dedication to his profession was second to none," Kirkpatrick said.
A friend remembers
After Kirkpatrick, Lancaster's friend and colleague Officer Chris Blake, who said it was hard to put his thoughts on paper. He recalled persuading Lancaster to join the Kansas City, Kansas Police Dept., when he was still working in Platte County.
"Brad was a jack of all trades. He could fix anything. I would hold the tools while Brad did all the work," Blake said.
Blake become emotional recalling holding Lancaster's hand in the hospital.
"I will be forever grateful for those moments I had with him," he said.
Blake's remarks painted a picture of his fallen friend as a prankster, smarter than anyone in the room, and devoted to his family. He read Lancaster's remarks when he served as valedictorian for his graduating academy class.
"I hope to see you all at my retirement party," he read.
Toward the end of the funeral service there was a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace" by Officer Danon Vaughn, who became choked up while singing.
The "Policeman's Prayer" was read aloud at the end of the ceremony. Attendees were invited to join the procession to the cemetery. For a route of the procession, click here.
Members of patriot guard line the sidewalks surrounding @cmpark to honor Detective Lancaster. @KCKPDHQ @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/mlihsiNkGi
— Aubrey Morse (@aubstheword) May 14, 2016
Memorial funds created to honor Detective Brad Lancaster
Price Chopper will be collecting donations to help Lancaster's wife and two daughters. All 51 locations will collect donations now through May 18. As of May 13, more than $11,000 had been raised on behalf of the Detective Lancaster Memorial Fund.
A memorial fund has also been established through the Greater Kansas City Safety Credit Union or police headquarters.
Previous coverage:
Detective shot by suspect dies from injuries
From St. Joe to KCK and beyond, community remembers fallen KCK Detective Brad Lancaster
Honoring a hero: Hundreds gather for candlelight vigil in KCK to honor detective Brad Lancaster
