Hundreds Attend Funeral For Doctor Killed In Neighborhood Shooting

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Hundreds gathered on Monday at a church in Englewood to remember the 65-year-old victim in a shooting a week ago.

Dr. Ken Atkinson was hailed as a hero in his Centennial neighborhood after he heard gunshots and came to the aid of a woman. He was shot and killed by the gunman and two others were hurt.

The Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church where Atkinson's funeral was held seats 800 people, and every space including the church's overflow area was filled on Monday morning. It was a testament to how loved and appreciated Atkinson was, CBS4's Jamie Leary reported.

Atkinson's younger brother spoke and said many now know that he died as a hero, but not everyone knows that he also lived as one.

Atkinson's children Kendall and Taylor both died from a rare blood disorder called Fanconi Anemia and he and his wife Jeanne started a foundation to find a cure.

Many stories about Atkinson were shared by friends and family on Monday.

One family Leary sat next to in the church used Atkinson as their physician for 22 years.

The head of the Denver Rescue Mission also recalled the thousands of people who showed up for the Atkinson's bone marrow drive that was set up to try to save their children.

Two of Atkinson's other daughters -- Alison Adams and Whitney Langlois -- spoke about their father and said he loved his children fiercely and that he was taken too soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that anyone who is interested can donate to the Kendall and Taylor Atkinson Foundation at katafoundation.org.

Kevin Lyons faces first degree murder charges in the shooting.