‘Carried the cause of justice to the grave’: Funeral held for fallen Smith Co. deputy

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Law enforcement agencies from around East Texas and across the state paid respects to a Smith County deputy Friday.

KLTV 7's Blake Holland reports on both the indoor and outdoor funeral service.

The funeral for fallen Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos was held at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. It started off with an opening prayer, followed by the Friendly Baptist Church Praise Team singing “What a Beautiful Name It Is.” Following his obituary reading, Bustos’ wife, Gloria, said he worked hard to make the world a better place as a law enforcement officer.

“Lorenzo loved his job so much and he was so good at it,” said Bustos’ wife, Gloria Bustos. “We knew the risks that came with the job, but we also knew he was saving so many lives. He was trying to be better. He was trying to better the world one bad guy at a time.”

An American flag was raised in front of Green Acres before the service.

KLTV 7's Bob Hallmark reports on the outdoor services.

The 29-year-old deputy was completing his last day of training on July 29 when, according to authorities, he was hit by an intoxicated driver while making a traffic stop on State Highway 155, near West Grande Boulevard.

39-year-old deputy Michael Skinner was also injured and was later treated and released from the hospital.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Daniel Nyabuto, was jailed on a charge of intoxication assault. The charge was expected upgraded to intoxication manslaughter, according to a press release.

Bustos is survived by a wife and three children.

"Lorenzo Bustos has carried the cause of justice to the grave and deserves not only our respect but our heartfelt gratitude and affection."

“Lorenzo Bustos has carried the cause of justice to the grave and deserves not only our respect but our heartfelt gratitude and affection,” said Sheriff Larry Smith.

All flags in Smith County will remain at half-staff until 24 hours after the funeral, by order of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

"He was trying to better the world one bad guy at a time."

Gloria Bustos, Sheriff Larry Smith among speakers.

Video shows the large funeral procession for fallen Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. Following the funeral service, the procession took Bustos to Memorial Pa

Lorenzo Bustos was killed in action on July 29.

RELATED:

+ Funeral plans for fallen Smith County deputy announced

+ Fund set up for family of Smith County deputy killed when struck by vehicle

+ Tyler ministry offers crisis support to family, coworkers of fallen Smith Co. deputy

+ Henderson councilman remembers friend Deputy Lorenzo Bustos

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