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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Hundreds gathered from miles away to say goodbye to Allen Rose, a tow truck driver who was dragged to death last week.

Like the vigil held the night after Rose's death, hundreds gathered to pay their respects - some close friends, some complete strangers, many fellow tow truck drivers.

They came from down the street and across the state.

"I've seen vehicles from Sheridan, Dillon, all over the state of Colorado, Lakewood, Trinidad," Jeff Aho, a tow truck driver with Wayne's Towing in Pueblo, said. "It's very impressive. It's amazing, you know to see people that no matter where they are, are willing to take the time out of their day to come up here and show their support."

Nearly 150 tow trucks came to Springs First Church of the Nazarene, many as part of a procession that started in Denver.

Most of the attendees never even met Rose, but they quickly learned about the man described as a positive person who loved to laugh.

"I'm here to pay my respects to the family and just show that people care," Aho said. "This is a horrible tragedy that's happened and this is just to show that no matter where we are when something like this happens you want to come and show your support."

The packed church also learned Rose was a soldier and served in Iraq. He received full military honors at his funeral.

Toni Neikirk, a family friend and spokesperson, said Rose's family wants to thank the community for their support during this difficult time.

"There are no words big enough to express how thankful the Rose family is to belong to this very gracious group of people," Neikirk said.

Rose's tragic death has brought together the towing community, a normally competitive group.

"You've got a mixed bag of emotions there," Jasen Dill, Owner of Randy's Towing in Colorado Springs, said. "I mean some people are angry. They want justice, but that's something we gotta be patient and let the police do their job and investigate, and make sure that everything is done properly and in accordance with the law, and justice will prevail, I'm sure of that."

He said he hopes the towing community and the community at-large learns from this tragedy.

"It can happen to anyone at anytime," Dill said. "You know a mistake, hooking up a car on the side of the interstate. Cars, you know, going by at high rates of speed. We just ask that the community remembers that when they're driving by us, hooking up cars. It's a dangerous spot that we're in and that recognition would be nice."

Rose leaves behind a wife, a 12-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.

A memorial fund for his family has been set up at all Key Banks under The Allen Lew Rose Memorial Fund.