PARKERSBURG - As a coach, Ed Thomas regularly brought people together. Crafting legendary football teams. Inspiring students at Aplington-Parkersburg High School. Rallying fans of Falcon football and a devastated community.

Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered on the field named for the coach, the so-called Sacred Acre, to remember his life and his lessons.

The candlelight vigil honored Thomas, killed earlier in the day, allegedly by a former student and player. Clergy leading the event offered solace to a community through prayer, music and Scripture.

"Tonight Ed draws us together one more time," the Rev. Harlan DeJong said.

"He touched our lives," the pastor added. "He was a coach. He was a friend. He was a good friend to all of us."

Thomas, 58, was shot Wednesday morning while supervising students lifting weights at the high school. Mark Becker, 24, is charged with first-degree murder.

People at the vigil exchanged hugs and wiped away tears. A few brought flowers. Many lingered long after the service to talk, cry and laugh.

Student and athletes from in and around the district paid their respects. Many at the vigil wore Aplington-Parkersburg red and black, but several football players from places like Jesup and Denver also attended in their school colors.

Clergy called for compassion. One prayed to ease the pain of those experiencing feelings of guilt. Several challenged the community to demonstrate love and forgiveness toward Becker and his family.

The Rev. Ryan Zurbriggen turned to the book of Colossians for guidance.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you and over all these virtues, put on love … which binds us in unity," Zurbriggen said.

Sandy Cox of Parkersburg attended church with both families caught up in the tragedy.

"Our hearts break for the Thomases as well as the Beckers," she said.

Thomas respected all kids equally, said Cox who years ago served as manager for football and track. When the coach spoke words of inspiration, he was convincing.

"He always used to say 'Good things happen to good people,'" Cox said.

Dave Freeseman of Parkersburg attended the vigil with his family for one reason - respect.

Freeseman, his wife, Denise, and their daughter, Ashley, wanted to demonstrate the esteem they say Thomas earned as a longtime coach, teacher, mentor and role model.

Thomas had an open-door policy at school and knew students' names, Ashley Freeseman said. She graduated in 2008. As a tennis player, she remembers Thomas helping with her backhand.

"You'd just say coach and they knew who you meant," she said.

She nodded at the many students and bystanders mingling on the football field and laughed. Coach, she said, liked to keep his field in good order and perhaps wouldn't appreciate the extra feet on what locals call the Sacred Acre.

Butch Kampman of Allison said many lessons can be gleaned from Thomas' words and actions. Kampman open enrolled his two kids in the Aplington-Parkersburg School District.

Kampman says he got a glimpse of the Thomas' character when the coach took time to chat with students playing flag football.

Thomas encouraged young people to pursue their athletic dreams but to also be studious, to demonstrate leadership and to help those straying from the straight and narrow, Kampman said.

"He knew what he believed. He stood on it. He didn't waver."