Lincoln High School football coach Keith Howard was laid to rest Tuesday, but not before the community, his fans, current and former players, family and friends gave him a special farewell.

In a packed football stadium, they said their goodbyes to the man they revered, the man who truly did make a difference in people’s lives.

It is a rarity that someone the caliber of Howard comes our way. He was an inspiration, a motivator, a mentor and a friend. Although a fierce competitor on the gridiron, he put priorities in the proper order — people first.

His passing not only leaves a void in the community from which he hailed, his death is being mourned throughout the region and the state. By reputation and by record of success, he was well known beyond Lincoln High School.

But he never lost sight of what was most important to him — that he turn these teenagers who played for him into young men who would succeed in life.

That is the legacy he leaves, and the free flowing tears of loss are testament to the kind of life he led.

And all should be thankful he came our way.