Wheldon remembered as loving and loyal

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Dan Wheldon is being remembered not only as a champion driver but as a devoted husband, caring father, loyal friend, beloved son – and a neat freak. Family members, friends, fellow drivers and hundreds of supporters said goodbye to Wheldon during a memorial service Saturday that included heart-wrenching letters by his wife and little sister, a story-filled eulogy by the best man at his wedding and two gripping songs by Wynonna Judd. There were several references to Wheldon’s love of keeping everything tidy. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner was one of the sport’s most popular drivers. He died last Sunday in IndyCar’s season finale at Las Vegas. He was buried in a private funeral service following Saturday’s public memorial at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)