The flag draped casket of former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker Jr. is carried to the gravesite at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday in Huntsville, Tenn.HUNTSVILLE, Tenn. – Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., a man revered by two political parties and mourned by vice presidents, international dignitaries and local neighbors alike, was laid to rest Tuesday in the cemetery across the street from the house in which he grew up.
Baker, who was 88 when he died at his home here last week, was remembered for his civility, his warmth and his ability to bring two sides together.
His funeral did the same.
Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat and former Senate colleague, arrived by police-escorted motorcade with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid from Knoxville shortly before the 1 p.m. service at the First Presbyterian Church in the tiny Appalachian town.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee were also on hand, along with U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., R-Knoxville, and Gov. Bill Haslam.