Dingell's casket escorted past U.S. Capitol after funeral in Michigan

Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A hearse bearing the casket of former Rep. John Dingell passed by the Capitol in Washington, D.C., for members of Congress to pay their respects Tuesday after a funeral mass in his home state of Michigan.

The Detroit Democrat, who was the longest-serving member of Congress, died Thursday at the age of 92. He served 59 years in the House until his retirement in 2015.

His family held a funeral earlier Tuesday ay the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn, Mich., where former Vice President Joe Biden described Dingell as "an amazing soul."

"I knew he knew me," Biden said. "He gave me confidence. He made me believe more in myself than I had. John had that special capacity to do so. When you were with him, you knew you were with greatness.

The Rev. Terrance Kerner, pastor at St. Kateri Catholic Church in Dearborn, was the second speaker. Also in attendance at the Michigan funeral were Dingell's wife, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., actor Lynda Carter, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

A second funeral service was scheduled to take place Thursday in Washington, D.C. A hearse escorted his casket before the U.S. Capitol as members of Congress stood outside in the rain to pay respects to him. Rep. Dingell stepped outside and greeted several of her colleagues before rejoining the motorcade and proceeding in her travels.

Former Bill Clinton, House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, were expected to speak at Thursday's service. Dingell will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.