HOUSTON – A Houston police officer who died while trying to protect construction workers off the Katy Freeway was laid to rest Thursday.

On Thursday, officers from throughout the state filled a massive sanctuary along Stuebner Airline Road to remember Houston Police Officer Gary Gryder.

Officer Gryder was being laid to rest in his HPD uniform.

His wife and young son were seated in the front row.

“Austin I want you to stand strong my brother and remember that your dad loved you very much and was very proud of you,” said Chaplain Montgomery.

Austin is the young boy 11 News showed you the day his dad died. He was playing a baseball game anyway, because that’s what his dad, his coach, would have wanted him to do.

Next to Officer Gryder's family was fellow Officer Freddie Joe Pyland.

Officer Pyland survived the early Sunday morning crash that claimed Officer Gryder’s life.

“...my dad was my best friend. He said to always be honest and truthful, and take care of my mom when he was gone. Don’t worry dad I will,” read a fellow officers. These were Austin’s words. It was his salute to his father at the funeral.

Among others paying tribute Thursday morning was HPD Officer Matt Carlley.

He was Gryder’s partner and friend of nearly 24 years.

“There’s nobody that can replace Gary,” said Carlley.

“I assure you, I will be here for you guys. There’s a whole room full of people that will be here for you,” Carlley told Officer Gryder’s family.

Outside the church, Austin took care of his mom and clutched her hand. Gryder’s fellow officers gave one final show of respect.

It was a sea of salutes in blue.

But none was more heartfelt than the salute from Officer Pyland. He was in a wheelchair, suffering with a multiple broken leg, but demanding to be there to say goodbye.

The final goodbyes came with more images of respect at the graveside in Tomball. 

The reasons for his death are still not fully understood.

The reasons Gary Gryder put his life on the line are. Those who knew him say he was one of the good guys and this is what the good guys do.

Meanwhile, investigators said it is unclear if Hung Truong, who was driving the car that hit Officer Gryder, even saw the barricades or the flashing lights on the police car before the collision.

Police said preliminary toxicology reports show that no alcohol or drugs were found in his system.

Troung has been charged with manslaughter.