Dan Wheldon: Remembering the IndyCar Legend Laid to Rest

Dan Wheldon wasn't just a champion in his sport, he was a champion of the sport, a figure who embodied class and integrity.

When Wheldon was killed in a 15-car crash on Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, IndyCar didn't just lose a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, it lost someone who made racing fans proud.

An outpouring of support has spread across the nation since Wheldon's untimely death at the age of 33, and you can judge just what kind of man he was by the words of his peers, friends and even people who shook hands with him once.

Wheldon's death was mourned at his funeral on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, where he lived with his wife Susie and their two sons.

Said friend Adrian Sussman at the funeral, via Yahoo! Sports:

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"Those of us who have known Dan have been robbed of a rare treasure. Dan just loved people and they loved him back."

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Said his wife Susie, "You were a true lionheart, my love. Thank you for sharing your love and your life with me."

Nearly 1,000 people reportedly attended the service, including members of the public invited by Susie.

Perhaps what was so ironic about Wheldon's death was that he was really beginning to reap the rewards of his longtime dedication to the sport and the people surrounding it.

He won the Indy500 this year and he had just helped test drive the 2012 series car which is expected to be safer than this year's version.

Michael Andretti also revealed that Wheldon was expected to take over for Danica Patrick with Andretti Autosport in 2012 when she made the transition to NASCAR.

Everybody will remember Wheldon in their own way. Everyone who has followed him throughout the years will remember certain moments that stuck with them.

But there's no question he was an integral part of IndyCar throughout the years and he will be missed.

For Wheldon it was never all about him, it was about the people around him. He knew that better than anyone and that's what will be remembered for a long time.

Wheldon further exemplified that a man's legacy goes far beyond what he does in his sport. Some would say a man's legacy is primarily defined by who he was as an individual, and what he did for others when the spotlight wasn't shining on him.

A public memorial service will be held for Wheldon on Sunday in Indianapolis by IndyCar.