Coach Ed Thomas was shot and killed at an Iowa school Wednesday during his football team's off-season workout.

Now, the legacy of faith left behind by the respected high school football coach is being remembered.

Wednesday night friends and family filled the town's football stadium, named after Thomas, to remember and celebrate his life.

Coach Thomas was one of the most respected high school coaches in the country.

The NFL named him High School Coach of The Year in 2005 but Coach Thomas' son said his father would want to be remembered as a man of deep faith.    

"Many of you knew my father as a teacher and a coach, but what got over looked was the thing he was most proud of, his involvement in his church," Aaron Thomas said. "Man of deep faith who touched many lives not just on the football field but what he talked about most was making better young men."

Thomas said his dad left a mark there.

"God always has a reason. At this time it's very tough for us to understand that," he added.

One of Thomas' former players, 24-year old Mark Beck, has been charged with murder.

"We also want to make sure we express our concern and compassion for the Becker family. We ask that people pray for them as well and people take time to comfort and be with them," Thomas said.

Four current NFL players have come through Coach Thomas' football program.

One player is Green Bay Packer Aaron Kampman who said Coach Thomas' legacy is not in winning games.

"(His legacy) comes not in how many football games he won or lost but in the fact that he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ," he said.