Friends remember Heston

LOS ANGELES – Charlton Heston, one of the last lions of Old Hollywood, was remembered at his funeral Saturday as devoutly religious and patriotic – an imposing figure in his politics and on the big screen.

Heston died April 5 at age 84 in his Beverly Hills home with his wife, Lydia, at his side. He had Alzheimer’s disease. The service was held at the Episcopal Parish of St. Matthews.

“Charlton sat every Sunday morning right there,” said the Rev. Michael Scott Seiler, pointing to a front pew.

About 300 people attended the funeral, including family members, politicians and actors.

The first part of the ceremony was devoted to memories of Heston. His daughter, Holly Heston Rochell, recalled her father’s love of poetry and recited the words of Shakespeare and Tennyson. Her brother, Fraser Clarke Heston, talked about his father’s devotion to America and said he “loved his country.”