COLUMBUS, Ohio - Hundreds of mourners filed around the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday to pay respects to U.S. Rep. Paul Gillmor, who was found dead in his apartment in a Washington suburb last week.
Gillmor, 68, a Republican known for his quiet, low-key approach, spent four decades in politics, including nearly 20 years in Congress.
A medical examiner's report Friday said Gillmor died of blunt head and neck trauma consistent with a fall down stairs. The death was certified as an accident.
Gillmor's American flag-draped casket was flanked by Ohio National Guard Honor Guard members, flowers and U.S. and Ohio flags.
Among those attending were Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, House Minority Leader John Boehner and other members of the Ohio congressional delegation.
Gillmor was a "very kind and gentle man," said Judy Stalter, who knew the congressman in the 1980s when she served as assistant clerk to the state Senate and he was Senate president.
"I have the highest respect for him," Stalter said. "He will be really missed in the political scheme of things."
Under Ohio law, Gov. Ted Strickland must call a special election to replace Gillmor. No date has yet been set.
Gillmor was elected to Congress in 1988 after serving in the Ohio Senate since 1967. He was Senate president during 1981-83 and 1985-89.
Only six other people, including President Abraham Lincoln, have lain in state in the Rotunda. The last time was in 2001 for four-term Gov. James A. Rhodes.
Gillmor is survived by his wife, Karen, and five children.
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