Slain Kirkwood officer honored at funeral service

BALLWIN, Mo. (AP) -- More than 1,000 mourners pack the funeral for police officer Tom Ballman, one of five people slain last week at Kirkwood City Hall.

A flag-draped coffin was adorned Tuesday with two hats representing Ballman's time as a Kirkwood officer and a Marine. The husband and father of two was remembered as a fun-loving man, but one with a deep commitment to his job.

A funeral was also Tuesday for councilman Michael Lynch.

The shooting rampage began Thursday when Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton killed officer William Biggs Jr. outside of City Hall, then went into a city council meeting and killed Ballman, Lynch, councilwoman Connie Karr and public works director Ken Yost. Police shot and killed Thornton.

Mayor Mike Swoboda was shot and remains in critical condition.