WASHINGTON -- President George H.W. Bush's casket left Washington National Cathedral following his state funeral and landed in Houston shortly after 5 p.m.

All living United States presidents, high-ranking politicians, friends and family members were at the Washington National Cathedral Wednesday to pay final respects to former President George H.W. Bush.

  • State funeral held for former President George H.W. Bush Wednesday at National Cathedral in Washington D.C. 
  • Casket returned to Texas following state funeral
  • Bush to be buried in College Station, Texas

Bush, the 41st president, died Friday.

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Former President George W. Bush said he told his father just before he died last week in Houston at age 94 that he had been a "wonderful dad" and that he loved him. Delivering a eulogy at the elder Bush's funeral Wednesday, George W. Bush said the last words his father "would ever say on earth were, 'I love you, too."

George W. Bush extolled his father for his service as president and as a role model as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Bush choked up at the end of his eulogy. He patted his father's flag-draped coffin twice as he went back to his seat. Former first lady Laura Bush wiped her eyes with a tissue as her husband sat next to her.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter sat in a front-row pew. President Donald Trump shook hands with the Obamas when he entered.

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Wednesday, December 5 was earlier declared a national day of mourning by Trump. It was additionally declared an official day of mourning in Texas by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Following Wednesday’s funeral, Bush will be flown back to Texas where a memorial service will be held in Houston. A train will then take the casket to College Station where Bush will be buried next to his wife, Barbara Bush, at his presidential library.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.